Tackle poverty in London or fail to meet child poverty pledge in London Government warned

Council leaders unite in call to fight escalating child poverty in the capital

Campaigners and local government leaders today unite to warn the Government that it will fail to meet its anti-poverty pledge unless it takes action to tackle London's child poverty crisis.

Though child poverty across the UK continues to fall, the number of children in London who live in poverty is rising with half of all inner London children now classed as living in poverty. If the Government is to meet its target of ending child poverty by 2020 then it must tackle London's unique problems, say End Child Poverty (ECP) and the Association of London Government (ALG).

Capital Losses: London's Child Poverty Problem highlights the conditions in London that lead to such high poverty figures, including the high cost of childcare and housing. Children in the capital face a much higher risk of living in a household where no adult is in employment.  There is also a high proportion of groups living in the capital - such as ethnic minorities and lone parents - that are most likely to experience unemployment and poverty. There are thirteen London boroughs in the top twenty areas with the most income-deprived  children according to the latest figures (see notes).

The Association of London Government's deputy chair, Cllr Dame Sally Powell DBE, said: 'It is unjust that children continue to live in poverty in one of the most prosperous cities in the world. That's why council leaders across London have united to call for a poverty free future for all of London's children.'

ECP's director Jonathan Stearn, added:'London is a litmus-test of the Government's plans to end child poverty. Child poverty in the capital is on the increase and the government will fail in its mission unless it faces up to the particular challenges that the city faces.'

In order to do this Capital Losses recommends the following:

· More investment in early years and good quality, accessible child care provision with additional central government funding· 

Greater investment in social housing to increase the availability of permanent, affordable accommodation in the capital· 

Increase subsidies to childcare providers· High quality and sustainable childcare incorporated into all planning for new building and regeneration schemes in the capital and develop a London-wide outreach programme to support childcare business development· 

Increase tax credits further to provide sufficient incentive for parents to take up paid employment· 

Reduce the rate at which housing benefit is withdrawn when someone moves into work plus a time-limited council tax discount.

Ends

Notes to editors:

1. Jonathan Stearn, director, End Child Poverty, and Cllr Dame Sally Powell, Deputy Chair of the ALG, are available for interview.

2. Capital Losses: London's Child Poverty Problem is published today (23rd June) by End Child Poverty and the Association of London Government.. Copies of the report can be downloaded from www.ecpc.org.uk Opens in a new window Copies are available from End Child Poverty, 8 Wakley Street, London EC1V 7QE. 0202 7843 1917.

 3. The London boroughs in the top 20 districts with the highest rates of deprived children are: Tower Hamlets, Islington, Hackney, Newham, Haringey, Camden, Southwark, Lambeth, Hammersmith and Fulham, Westminster, Greenwich, Barking and Dagenham and Lewisham.

4.  End Child Poverty (ECP) was formed in April 2001 with the aim of keeping this and every future government to the pledge to end child poverty by 2020. ECP believes in addressing income poverty, but also health inequalities, poor education outcomes, lack of employment, affordable housing and support for families.

5. The Association of London Government is committed to fighting for more resources for London and getting the best possible deal for London's 33 councils. Part think-tank, part lobbying organisation and part service provider, the ALG formulates policies, organises campaigns and runs a range of services all designed to make life better for Londoners.

6. End Child Poverty is a broad coalition committed to ending the scandal of child poverty in the UK. The campaign has over 75 member organisations representing many thousands of individual supporters across a wide range of sectors. This release represents the views of End Child Poverty and does not necessarily reflect the views of member organisations.

For further information contact Ellie Levenson at End Child Poverty on 020 7843 1916/07789 656898 or Suzanne Stevenson in the ALG press office on 0207 934 9757.