Children's commissioners: Cuts will plunge more children into poverty

In a joint report to the United Nations, the commissioners for England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland said child poverty is “unacceptably high”.

They said they are “alarmed” at the way the government’s austerity measures and changes to the welfare system have pushed more children into poverty.

And they claim that more are set to be affected by the Budget announcement next week, with up to £12bn of cuts expected to be announced.

The report states that, under current government policies, the number of children living in poverty is expected to rise to 4.7 million by 2020 – one million more than the current number.

This comes despite the government making legally binding targets in the Child Poverty Act 2010 to eradicate child poverty by 2020/21.

Commissioners today called on the government to urgently review all Budget and economic decisions to ensure they do not push more children into poverty.

Tam Baillie, commissioner for children and young people in Scotland, said the current child poverty rate across the UK “makes a mockery” of the state’s international obligations.

“It is deeply disturbing that the UK government, aware of the current and future impact of its cuts, appears to be targeting the most vulnerable people in our society,” he said.
 
“Austerity measures have condemned 2.3 million children into poverty and that number will increase if further proposed cuts are enacted.

“For one of the richest countries in the world, this is a policy of choice and it is a disgrace. It is avoidable and unacceptable.

“The government’s short-term budgetary policies will have long-term, corrosive effects on children across the whole UK, affecting their health, educational attainment and life expectancy.

“The government must reconsider its policy of austerity measures for the sake of children across the UK.”

Other areas of concern highlighted in the commissioners’ report included underfunding for mental health services and government intentions to repeal The Human Rights Act.

The commissioners said any replacement is “likely to be regressive” and “very likely” to substantially dilute the protection of children’s rights.

The report also highlights concerns about “drastic” reductions to legal advice, assistance and representation for children and their parents, and a “lack of progress improving outcomes for looked after children”.