Government consultation: Tackling Child Poverty and Improving Life Chances

In late December last year the Government launched a new consultation focussing on child poverty.

The joint consultation, ‘Tackling Child Poverty and Improving Life Chances’ is being carried out by the Department for Work and Pensions, Department for Education and HM Treasury and seeks to help communities and individuals ensure children have the very best start in life. The consultation will inform the Government’s first child poverty strategy, to be published this Spring.

According to Government statistics, despite the number of children living in relative poverty having fallen by over half a million over the past decade, the UK has amongst the highest child poverty levels in Europe. The Government has taken steps to address this; last year saw the establishment of a new Social Justice Cabinet Committee dedicated to improving the quality of life for the worst off. It has also commissioned two connected reviews: the Frank Field inquiry into Poverty and Life Chances and the Early Intervention review, chaired by long term champion Graham Allen.

Following conclusions from Frank Field’s review, Ministers want to look beyond income levels to develop a more holistic, long-term strategy. The strategy is expected to take into account factors around educational attainment, family support and relationships, and health.

As part of the consultation the Government wants to hear views on how to develop the child poverty strategy, the role and remit of the child poverty commission and on local approaches to tackling poverty and improving life chances.

The consultation can be completed online, by sending the response form to Childpoverty.strategy@childpovertyunit.gsi.gov.uk or to the Consultation Unit, Department for Education, Area GB, Castle View House, East Lane, Runcorn, Cheshire, WA7 2GJ.

The deadline for submitting responses is 15 February 2011.