Action for Children responds to new Joseph Rowntree Foundation report 'UK Poverty 2020-2021'

Action for Children’s director of policy and campaigns, Imran Hussain, said:

“This analysis is a disturbing warning that a generation of children face having their life chances harmed by the benefit freeze, the economic and mental health effects of the pandemic, and the choices the Chancellor now makes. This report is yet more evidence of the true extent of the hardship faced by many children even before the pandemic. Low-incomes families have been among the hardest hit and as we face a third lockdown, they will be plunged only into deeper crisis.

“Our key workers say child poverty levels are at the worst they can remember and have had to deliver life-changing support to thousands of families desperate to keep their kids clothed and well-fed.

“The Government must make tackling poverty an economic priority if we are to start rebuilding children’s lives. The Prime Minister can begin by giving struggling families peace of mind by promising that he will not cut Universal Credit payments by over £1,000 a year in the Spring.”

ENDS

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