Responding the publication of the national Child Poverty
Strategy, Cllr Dr MBE, Chair of the LGA's Health
and Wellbeing Committee, said:
“Child poverty not only limits children's life chances and
wellbeing but also imposes significant long-term costs on our
economy and society.
“Councils want to work with government and partners to combat
child poverty. We are pleased this strategy recognises the
importance of integrating local services including housing,
health, and family support to better meet the needs of
disadvantaged children. We are also pleased to see national
measures aimed at reducing in-work poverty and making it easier
for parents to access childcare and progress in work, which will
improve outcomes and alleviate pressure on local hardship
support.
“The renewed emphasis on prevention in key areas including
housing, social care, employment support and health, is a
positive step. Councils will continue to work closely with
government to identify ways in which integration and service
reform can enable earlier intervention in the underlying causes
of disadvantage.
“However, without additional investment in these services – and a
recognition that councils still face high levels of immediate
demand in many acute services – it is hard to see how we will be
able to achieve the step change that is needed to reverse current
trends successfully.”
Notes to editors
Department for Work and
Pensions: Over half a million children to be lifted out of
poverty as government unveils historic child poverty strategy
