25 February 2013
MP Expresses Deep Concern Over Child Poverty Figures
Sandra Osborne MP today expressed deep concern over recently released child poverty figures. The child poverty figures, for 2012, are broken down by constituency and show that child poverty in Ayr Carrick and Cumnock constituency stands at 22%. The figures have been released by the Coalition to End Child Poverty – a coalition of over 100 charities and organisations.
Sandra said:
‘These figures make for depressing reading indeed. They show that on average 1/5 of children in each area in the UK live in poverty. The figure in Ayr Carrick and Cumnock constituency is 22%.’
Child Poverty damages children’s experiences of childhood and harms their future life chances. We know from research earlier this year by Save the Children that:
-well over half of parents in poverty (61%) say they have cut back on food and over a quarter (26%) say they have skipped meals in the past year.
-around 1 in 5 parents in poverty (19%) say their children have to go without new shoes when they need them.
-a large number of children in poverty say they are missing out on things that many other children take for granted, such as going on school trips (19%) and having a warm coat in winter (14%).
- only 1 in 5 parents in poverty (20%) say they have not had to borrow money to pay for essentials, such as food and clothes, in the past year.
Sandra added:
‘It is also worrying to note that the Institute for Fiscal Studies predicts a growth in child poverty of 400,000 between 2011 and 2015, and a total of 800,000 by 2020. This prediction came before recent Government announcements on welfare reform which is expected to push another 200,000 children into poverty.
‘In Westminster, one of Labour’s priorities is to vigorously campaign against these government measures which are penalising families who are already sorely feeling the pinch.’
Sandra added:
‘I am in the process of organising a local public meeting involving representatives from the local authorities and advice organisations so that people can find out how the Government’s welfare changes will affect them. Please contact me if you would like to attend this meeting by emailing [email protected] or by telephoning me on 01292 262906.
‘In the meantime I will continue to work with my Labour colleagues and in conjunction with charities to oppose unjust welfare changes and to press the Government to take urgent action to tackle the scandal of child poverty.’
Ends
For further information contact Sandra Osborne MP, 01292 262906
MP Expresses Deep Concern Over Child Poverty Figures
Sandra Osborne MP today expressed deep concern over recently released child poverty figures. The child poverty figures, for 2012, are broken down by constituency and show that child poverty in Ayr Carrick and Cumnock constituency stands at 22%. The figures have been released by the Coalition to End Child Poverty – a coalition of over 100 charities and organisations.
Sandra said:
‘These figures make for depressing reading indeed. They show that on average 1/5 of children in each area in the UK live in poverty. The figure in Ayr Carrick and Cumnock constituency is 22%.’
Child Poverty damages children’s experiences of childhood and harms their future life chances. We know from research earlier this year by Save the Children that:
-well over half of parents in poverty (61%) say they have cut back on food and over a quarter (26%) say they have skipped meals in the past year.
-around 1 in 5 parents in poverty (19%) say their children have to go without new shoes when they need them.
-a large number of children in poverty say they are missing out on things that many other children take for granted, such as going on school trips (19%) and having a warm coat in winter (14%).
- only 1 in 5 parents in poverty (20%) say they have not had to borrow money to pay for essentials, such as food and clothes, in the past year.
Sandra added:
‘It is also worrying to note that the Institute for Fiscal Studies predicts a growth in child poverty of 400,000 between 2011 and 2015, and a total of 800,000 by 2020. This prediction came before recent Government announcements on welfare reform which is expected to push another 200,000 children into poverty.
‘In Westminster, one of Labour’s priorities is to vigorously campaign against these government measures which are penalising families who are already sorely feeling the pinch.’
Sandra added:
‘I am in the process of organising a local public meeting involving representatives from the local authorities and advice organisations so that people can find out how the Government’s welfare changes will affect them. Please contact me if you would like to attend this meeting by emailing [email protected] or by telephoning me on 01292 262906.
‘In the meantime I will continue to work with my Labour colleagues and in conjunction with charities to oppose unjust welfare changes and to press the Government to take urgent action to tackle the scandal of child poverty.’
Ends
For further information contact Sandra Osborne MP, 01292 262906