London Councils and the Government Office for London have today launched the country's first Child Poverty Network, which will help local authorities and their partners work more closely together to tackle child poverty across the capital.

The network's purpose is to help local authorities and their partners share good practice, discuss local issues and to support pan-London approaches to tackling child poverty.

Designed for senior staff from local authorities and their partner organisations such as primary care trusts, Jobcentre Plus and housing associations, the network will link up staff tasked with developing policies to combat child poverty with those in charge of implementing policies on the frontline.

This will not only help raise awareness of child poverty, but also help policy-makers work more closely with those charged with delivering services to identify the barriers to making their policies a success.

The network will meet quarterly to allow members to discuss what works in their local area, explore new approaches and to talk with colleagues from across the capital. The network is also supported by an online resource for members

Speaking at the launch, London Councils' Executive Member for Children and Young People and London Child Poverty Commissioner Councillor James Kempton, said:
 
"We are yet to make the headway we all want to see in banishing child poverty from the capital. Despite some of the excellent policies and work going on across the capital, we must do more

"The network we are launching today will help bring together all those tasked with tackling child poverty in the capital - from the policy makers through to the service deliverers. By bringing these people together we should be able to establish what works across the capital - and in differing local circumstances - and by doing so, develop robust solutions to London's child poverty crisis."

Chris Hayes, Regional Director, Government Office for London said;

"We are delighted to be launching the London Child Poverty Network to support local authorities and strategic partnerships deliver real change and improvement on child poverty across the region. GOL is committed to making a real difference to increasing prosperity and reducing child poverty in London and the network will provide an excellent forum for spreading good practice and influencing policy."

The London Child Poverty Network was launched today at the Government Office for London. Pictures are available, please contact Chris Hogwood in the London Councils press office, or Guy Bailey in the GoL press office for details.

For press enquiries please email Chris Hogwood from London Councils or call 020 7934 9757 ; or email Guy Bailey from Government Office for London or call 0207 217 3027.

View more information on the London Child Poverty Network

View Government Office for London website