The Chancellor announced that payments for children under child tax credits will rise by four per cent and child benefit will increase roughly in line with earnings. Although this will make many low-income families better off, Barnardo's said those living on benefits could only be lifted out of poverty by boosting income support.
"The Government must recognise that work is not an option for many parents, especially if they have caring duties," said Neera Sharma, the charity's principal policy officer, who also called for increased tax credits for parents with disabled children.
Cash incentives to encourage lone parents back into work have been widely welcomed but campaigners warned that lone parents must not be denied the choice of staying at home and caring for their young children.
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