The Child Poverty Act to eradicate child poverty by 2020

More help is on the way to help lift children out of poverty through The Child Poverty Act.

Ambitiously aiming to eradicate child poverty by 2020, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Yvette Cooper said: “We know this goal is extremely challenging, but we won’t back down. This Bill is about the world we want to live and raise our children in, to make sure no children are left behind. We’ve lifted 500,000 children out of poverty already, but there is much more to be done.”

New plans to help achieve this include the introduction of extending the eligibility criteria of Free School Meals to low-income families on Working Tax Credit.

Other measures announced in the Budget include a new Toddler Tax Credit, giving parents with children under three years an extra £200 a year to help families who stay at home or work part-time during the early years.

Announced only this week was the plan to finally disregard the sometimes paltry amount of child maintenance that absence parents make to the parent with care who receives benefits.

Children’s Secretary Ed Balls said:  “The passing of today’s historic Child Poverty Act reaffirms our promise to giving all children the best possible start in life. As part of this commitment, I’m pleased to be announcing today new plans to extend free school meals to primary school children whose families are on working tax credit. This will give thousands more families the confidence and financial security they need to help lift them out of poverty.”