Child poverty in the UK - second report of session 2003-04, Vol. 1: Report, together with formal minutes (Paperback)

Child poverty is still a major problem in the UK, affecting an estimated 3.6 million children. The Government has announced long-term commitments to halve the levels of child poverty in the UK by the year 2010 and to eradicate it by 2020. The Committee's report examines a range of issues involved including the extent of child poverty in Britain and its causes; household finances, welfare benefits and debt; childcare; human dimensions of poverty including the affects on family units and children's life chances; definitions and measurements of child poverty; regional variations; and the effectiveness of the Government's anti-poverty and employment strategies. The Committee's findings include that the Government's interim target of reducing child poverty levels by a quarter by 2004 is likely to be met, although achieving longer-term targets will be much more challenging since this will involve reaching the most disadvantaged. Key factors are expanding employment and childcare opportunities, and with this in mind, the Government should i) establish a commitment to make accessible and affordable childcare available to all by 2010; and ii) focus on work opportunities for parents from minority ethnic groups, lone parents, parents with disabilities and parents of disabled children.