How the crunch Budget will affect the young

28 April 2009 6 mins read Lauren Higgs Early Years Education Social Care Youth Work

Chancellor Alistair Darling's "bad news" Budget contained a number of measures that will affect children and young people. CYP Now looks at the implications in some of the key areas. Here, experts question how plans to tackle youth employment and cut "back-room" services will pan out, while child poverty campaigners bemoan the "pathetic" 20 increase in the child tax credit. Grandparents may be the only ones smiling ...

CHILD POVERTY - 2010 target effectively shelved

By Ross Watson

Child tax credit increase, per week - 38p

Amount required to reach 2010 child poverty target, per week - £12.45.

Unless some emergency measures are taken before next year, the government will fail to meet its target to halve child poverty by 2010.

The only explicit measure taken by Chancellor Alistair Darling in the battle against child poverty was an increase of £20 per year in the child tax credit.

Campaigners described the increase as "pathetic" and "shameful". The fact it is not stated as a percentage means it will have even less of an effect on relative poverty, as the money will go to every family with an income of up to £50,000 a year.

Register Now to Continue Reading

Thank you for visiting Children & Young People Now and making use of our archive of more than 60,000 expert features, topics hubs, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits: