Action for Children responds to the Chancellor's mini budget

Responding to the Chancellor's mini-budget, Action for Children’s director of policy and campaigns, Imran Hussain, said:

“The Chancellor announced a big package of support on jobs and businesses but if the Government’s response to the coronavirus does not prioritise children alongside health and the economy, it will create long term damage to public finances, as well as to a generation of youngsters.

"Children are now facing unprecedented threats to their childhoods and futures. The longer we wait to help them, the bigger the problem that will need fixing and the greater the harm to our children, our skills base and to our economy.

“Our frontline staff tell us that families are struggling to deal with the daily disruption to life caused by the crisis – all while services protecting children are at breaking point, school budgets under pressure and job losses soaring.

“As we face the Coronavirus economic storm, children must be at the heart of our nation’s recovery plan. We urge the Government to shore up family budgets and protect the most vulnerable children, including those with disabilities, mental health difficulties, children who have suffered abuse and those from minority communities.

“Investing in children is best way to help the country back on its feet and a pre-requisite for levelling up the country to ensure all our children have a fighting chance of a safe and happy childhood.”

ENDS

Media contact: Emma Marshall – 07875 399 995 / [email protected]

Out of hours: 07802 806 679 / [email protected]

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 476 services in communities across the country, the charity helps more than 387,000 children, teenagers, parents and carers a year. actionforchildren.org.uk