Austerity ‘condemns’ children to poverty – report to UN

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Austerity ‘condemns’ children to poverty – report to UN

Young people in the UK risk falling deeper into poverty if the government continues to make cuts to welfare programs, Britain’s four children’s commissioners have said.

In a report for the United Nations, the commissioners say austerity policies have already pushed 2.3 million children into poverty with the figure set to hit 4.7 million by 2020.

The commissioners for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland also express their concern that the government’s plans to abolish the Human Rights Act will strip children of their rights.

A spokesman for the Department of Work and Pensions said the government is increasing employment opportunities to counter poverty.

Child poverty rates remain “unacceptably high” according to the Commissioners’ assessment – the first full-scale review in seven years.

More children are forced live in substandard housing and temporary accommodation, while government cuts have meant reduced health, education and youth services.

The report expresses unease over the government’s plan to introduce £12 billion worth of further cuts, arguing more children will be affected by the budget announcement due next week….More Here

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Austerity ‘condemns’ children to poverty – report to UN