Since its introduction, the triple lock has delivered a substantial increase in the value of the state pension and afforded older citizens a welcome measure of economic security. It enjoys cross-party support. However, it also begs an important question – why is our current system unable to provide a similar level of economic stability to our children and young people?
It is sobering that on a range of metrics we can no longer say that life is getting better for the next generation. Too many young lives are blighted by poverty, one in five children are struggling with their mental health, many more are missing out on education, security and legal protection.
Failure to meet many of their most basic needs is diminishing children and young people’s ability to thrive. We know through delivering our programmes of life education, reading and cultural programmes in schools that children will not be able to take full advantage of such opportunities if they are in school hungry.
Knowing this to be so, around a year ago we started talking about the change we wished to see to boost the odds for the next generation. What would make life better for children and young people? We listened to children and young people and sifted through ideas, considering impact, priority and affordability.
From a guarantee that per-pupil in school and early education spending rises in line with economic growth, to the extension of free school meals to all primary school children and those in secondary whose families receive universal credit, and the removal of age or family discrimination for the receipt of state benefits, our charter started taking shape.
We grouped together the measures we believed would most immediately make a positive difference to children and young people to address three fundamental commitments:
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A fair share of the nation’s resources;
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An equal chance ensuring all children and young people have equal rights and entitlements;
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A secure future ensuring children depend upon support to be healthy and happy.
The charter proposes a realignment of the social contract between society and its children and young people by means of a “triple key” of financial commitments to achieve it.
Full implementation of the charter’s proposals will depend on a new financial settlement in addition to existing expenditure. Our impact team worked closely with Landman Economics to cost implementation of the triple key by the end of this decade. At between £16.2bn and £17.7bn per annum at current prices, it amounts to 0.6 to 0.7 per cent of national income – significantly less than a penny in the pound and, while we could go further and faster if economic growth permits, the bare minimum we must invest as a society to turn the tide for our children.
Following its release, we are now seeking to build cross-party support for the principles enshrined in the Charter for Children. This is key because making it happen will be the work of more than one parliament. Building consensus is challenging, but the charter’s proposals are affordable and nurturing, educating and supporting children and young people should not be politically controversial.
This is absolutely not about pitting one generation against another. It is about ensuring that we achieve a just settlement for all generations. In the words of Nelson Mandela: “The true character of society is seen in the way it treats its children.”
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Carol Homden is chief executive officer of the Coram Group. More from www.coram.org.uk/charter
