Institute for Fiscal Studies' forecast comes as no surprise
Bob Reitemeier
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
The Universal Credit could reduce long-term poverty but, as the Institute of Fiscal Studies points out, once other factors are taken into consideration, children will be much worse off.
The Children's Society is particularly concerned that the proposed cap on benefits will cut support to more than 200,000 children and potentially make 82,000 children homeless.
The consequences of many more children being pushed into poverty are potentially devastating. The Children's Society's own research reveals that a decrease in family income directly relates to low well-being. Children in households where income has fallen are likely to be twice as unhappy as those in homes where income has risen. They are at greater risk of suffering from mental health issues and behavioural problems and may also be at risk of performing badly at school.
If the Government does not take appropriate action, the UK is likely to be rooted firmly at the bottom end of international tables for children's well-being for the foreseeable future.
The Children's Society is particularly concerned that the proposed cap on benefits will cut support to more than 200,000 children and potentially make 82,000 children homeless.
The consequences of many more children being pushed into poverty are potentially devastating. The Children's Society's own research reveals that a decrease in family income directly relates to low well-being. Children in households where income has fallen are likely to be twice as unhappy as those in homes where income has risen. They are at greater risk of suffering from mental health issues and behavioural problems and may also be at risk of performing badly at school.
If the Government does not take appropriate action, the UK is likely to be rooted firmly at the bottom end of international tables for children's well-being for the foreseeable future.
