Child poverty
The government aims to eradicate child poverty by 2020.
The Public Service Agreement set out by the 2004 Spending Review commits the government to “halving the number of children in relative low-income households between 1998-99 and 2010-11, on the way to eradicating child poverty by 2020.”
Good progress has been made in arresting and reversing the long-term trend of rising child poverty. Between 1998-99 and 2003-4 (the latest available data), the number of children in relative low income households fell from 3.1 million to 2.6 million on a before housing costs basis and from 4.1 million to 3.5 million after housing costs are taken into account.
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Child poverty is a complex problem. The Government’s strategy involves:
helping to ensure decent family incomes, with work for those who can and support for those who cannot -
supporting parents
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delivering high quality public services with targeted support for those with additional needs; and
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harnessing the power of the voluntary, faith and community sectors
The Child Poverty Review sets out the key next steps necessary to move towards halving child poverty by 2010.
The Child and Working Tax Credits, launched in April 2003, are central to the Government’s efforts to tackle poverty and provide opportunity. The Child Tax Credit is part of the Government’s progressive universalist approach, providing more support for all families and the greatest support for those who need it most. The Government is committed to continuing to increase the child element of the Child Tax Credit at least in line with earnings up to and including 2007-08.
More information on tax credits (HMRC website)