UK government cuts to welfare and benefits outlined in Queen's speech will exacerbate child poverty, according to leading campaigners
UK government cuts to welfare and benefits will hugely increase child poverty, according to leading campaigners.
Children in Scotland, the Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG) and Barnardo’s were unanimous in condemning elements of the Queen’s speech on Wednesday which, they say, will bring misery to millions.
They all said plans contained in the speech – which sets out the Tory government’s legislative programme for the year ahead – to cap benefits at £23,000 (down from £26,000), abolish housing benefit for 18 to 21 year olds and cut the welfare budget by £12 billion will have a disastrous effect on the poorest – and children in particular.
Children in Scotland suggested the moves could be contrary to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), which the UK is a signatory to.
Children and young people are the main losers from austerity and this is set to continue
Chief executive Jackie Brock added: “This was a hugely disappointing Queen’s speech. It contained nothing specific about taking forward measures to improve children’s lives.
“Children and young people are the main losers from austerity and sadly this is set to continue.”
CPAG’s head of policy Imran Hussain said: "The speech leaves the low paid still facing benefit cuts, still gaining least from the personal tax allowance rise. The best test of the government’s stated desire to provide opportunities for the most disadvantaged is its child poverty record. Unless it takes action now, it will fail that test comprehensively.
“With two thirds of poor children living in working families, the focus on those in work is welcome but freezing in-work benefits will harm the low paid, undermine the government’s own flagship Universal Credit and mean that the government fails to meet the statutory targets it signed up to ending child poverty.”
Plans to limit the automatic entitlement to housing benefit for young people were savaged by Barnardo’s.
Chief executive Javed Khan said: “These rash plans risk compromising 118,000 vulnerable young people, forcing many to choose between staying on in unstable homes or becoming homeless.
“Day in day out, Barnardo’s works with young people who are scarred by growing up in abusive or substance misusing households.
“Housing benefit is a lifeline that gives these youngsters a fresh start, so it’s deeply worrying that the government is severing it.
“This benefit must remain available for the UK’s most vulnerable to fall back on, if we are not to see a generation of disadvantaged young people plunged into destitution.”
In other elements of the Queen's speech, Children in Scotland welcomed the creation of a Scotland Bill which will see powers promised through the post-referendum Smith process being devolved – but said this must be the start of a process which sees even more powers go to Holyrood.
Brock said legislation must be brought forward to “devolve all additional powers necessary to support improvement in children’s wellbeing, including childcare.”
Meanwhile, John Low, chief executive of the Charities Aid Foundation, said the voluntary sector must be listened to as new legislation is rolled out: “Voluntary organisations have a unique and valuable insight from providing services, supporting people and advocating for those who have been disadvantaged or marginalised. This expertise must be listened to as the government embarks on its new programme.”
