Action for Children responds to the Autumn Budget

Action for Children’s head of campaigns and public affairs, Alice Woudhuysen, said:

"The government can’t fix the foundations of our country without breaking down the barriers trapping millions of children in hardship.

We welcome the measures announced to:

• Join up health and employment support.
• Reduce the impact of Universal Credit debt repayments on low-income families.
• Enable carers to earn more.

"Yet, the continued impact of the two-child limit and benefit cap, alongside the government’s deeply disappointing decision to tighten access to sickness benefits, will inevitably drive up levels of child poverty.

Our new research found that parents relying on sickness benefits face real insecurity, juggling bills and debts while their children miss out on things most would regard as necessities.

"We’ve shown there are clear opportunities to support some of these parents currently not working for health reasons into jobs in future, but this will require an enormous effort by the NHS, employers, and a reformed DWP to give people the flexibility and support they need.

"As well as ditching the two-child limit and benefit cap, we want to see specialist advisors in the new Jobs and Careers Service to lead contact with parents facing complex barriers to employment, as part of a joined-up local offer.

"The government’s mission to 'Get Britain Working' must prioritise the needs of struggling families and be rooted in positive engagement and support, not punitive conditionality and compliance.

ENDS

MEDIA CONTACT:
Huw Beale, Media Manager, Action for Children – 07718 114 038 / [email protected]

Out of hours: 020 3124 0661 / [email protected]

NOTES TO EDITORS
About Action for Children

Action for Children protects and supports vulnerable children and young people by providing practical and emotional care and support, ensuring their voices are heard and campaigning to bring lasting improvements to their lives. With 372 services in local communities across the UK, in schools and online, in 2023/2024 we helped 687,755 children, young people and families. actionforchildren.org.uk