Source · Select Committees · Work and Pensions Committee
Recommendation 18
18
We heard strong views that the UK now needs a cross-government strategy for child poverty.
Conclusion
We heard strong views that the UK now needs a cross-government strategy for child poverty. We welcome the creation of a new Inter-Ministerial Group to identify practical measures to address the cost of living. But a focus on the cost of living suggests only a partial response to child poverty, ignoring aspects relating to income and earnings and the wider social deprivations linked to poverty. The Government now needs to commit to a comprehensive cross-departmental UK strategy for child poverty. (Paragraph 76) Children in poverty: Measurement and targets 53
Government Response
Not Addressed
HM Government
Not Addressed
The Government is committed to a sustainable, long-term approach to tackling poverty and reports progress to Parliament in several ways. As set out in the Welfare Reform and Work Act 2016, the Government publishes key measures of child poverty annually in line with its statutory responsibilities. In addition, we update Parliament via our annual report and Ministers are held to account on a regular basis at Oral questions and by the WPSC. As our economic recovery progresses our focus is on helping people get back into and to progress in work, based on clear evidence that work, particularly full-time work, is the most effective way of tackling poverty. The £500 million expansion of the Plan for Jobs will ensure that people across the country continue to be supported to do so. DWP’s Secretary of State continues to lead wider cross-Government action on tackling poverty and the cost of living.