Menu
24/10/2008
Child Poverty 'Costs The UK £25bn A year'
The total economic impact of child poverty on Britain is around £25bn every year, according to new research from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF).
By combining two "cautious" economic calculations - increased state spending due to poverty, and reduced economic activity through lower earnings later in life - the charity estimates that the UK is suffering substantial economic damage through not properly tackling child poverty.
The assessment of three previous studies found that child poverty accounts annually for £12bn of extra social spending on areas such as health and education, £11bn lost due to lower incomes, and £2bn in benefits due to unemployment.
"Child poverty imposes huge costs on those affected but it is also costly to us all. Getting rid of child poverty will not be cheap. But this report shows that large amounts are being spent on paying for the fallout from child poverty," said Donald Hirsch, JRF poverty adviser.
"This could be more productively employed in preventing it from occurring in the first place. Tackling child poverty would bring a double benefit - for the families whose life chances and quality of life would be improved and for society, which would no longer have to pay such high costs of picking up the pieces."
UK Government efforts such as the tax credits system have been credited with alleviating child poverty to a degree, although some experts argue that the existing benefits structures prove a disincentive to increased economic activity and savings.
The report's publication also follows a warning from the Scottish Campaign on Welfare Reform that welfare reforms could exacerbate poverty in some areas by treating individuals "in a punitive and undignified manner".
(GK/JM)
By combining two "cautious" economic calculations - increased state spending due to poverty, and reduced economic activity through lower earnings later in life - the charity estimates that the UK is suffering substantial economic damage through not properly tackling child poverty.
The assessment of three previous studies found that child poverty accounts annually for £12bn of extra social spending on areas such as health and education, £11bn lost due to lower incomes, and £2bn in benefits due to unemployment.
"Child poverty imposes huge costs on those affected but it is also costly to us all. Getting rid of child poverty will not be cheap. But this report shows that large amounts are being spent on paying for the fallout from child poverty," said Donald Hirsch, JRF poverty adviser.
"This could be more productively employed in preventing it from occurring in the first place. Tackling child poverty would bring a double benefit - for the families whose life chances and quality of life would be improved and for society, which would no longer have to pay such high costs of picking up the pieces."
UK Government efforts such as the tax credits system have been credited with alleviating child poverty to a degree, although some experts argue that the existing benefits structures prove a disincentive to increased economic activity and savings.
The report's publication also follows a warning from the Scottish Campaign on Welfare Reform that welfare reforms could exacerbate poverty in some areas by treating individuals "in a punitive and undignified manner".
(GK/JM)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
28 January 2009
Consultation To End Child Poverty, Launched
The Government has today set out plans to make sure every child gets the best start in life by tackling child poverty, which can unfairly hold children back and prevent them reaching their full potential.
Consultation To End Child Poverty, Launched
The Government has today set out plans to make sure every child gets the best start in life by tackling child poverty, which can unfairly hold children back and prevent them reaching their full potential.
19 June 2007
More than a million children affected by 'severe poverty'
Nearly 1.3 million children are living in severe poverty in the UK, a report by Save the Children has revealed. The charity said that around one in ten children in the UK are now living in families where the income is so low that children are living without essentials like a proper diet or heating in the home.
More than a million children affected by 'severe poverty'
Nearly 1.3 million children are living in severe poverty in the UK, a report by Save the Children has revealed. The charity said that around one in ten children in the UK are now living in families where the income is so low that children are living without essentials like a proper diet or heating in the home.
03 February 2005
Mandela addresses anti-poverty rally in London
Former South African president, Nelson Mandela, has told the crowds at an anti-poverty rally in London that the fight against poverty was as important as the fight against slavery.
Mandela addresses anti-poverty rally in London
Former South African president, Nelson Mandela, has told the crowds at an anti-poverty rally in London that the fight against poverty was as important as the fight against slavery.
11 February 2004
Child poverty group calls for plans to revise figures to be dropped
A children's campaign group has claimed that the government is planning to introduce an accounting method which could see up to one million children in poverty wiped off official statistics. The group, End Child Poverty, issued its call as Secretary of State Andrew Smith appears before a Commons Work and Pensions select committee today.
Child poverty group calls for plans to revise figures to be dropped
A children's campaign group has claimed that the government is planning to introduce an accounting method which could see up to one million children in poverty wiped off official statistics. The group, End Child Poverty, issued its call as Secretary of State Andrew Smith appears before a Commons Work and Pensions select committee today.
08 February 2013
2.3m UK Children In Poverty
2.3m children, one in five, across the UK are living materially deprived lives but are not being included in the government’s measure of poverty. Thinktank Policy Exchange says the Child Poverty Target is underestimating the number of children living in poverty in the United Kingdom.
2.3m UK Children In Poverty
2.3m children, one in five, across the UK are living materially deprived lives but are not being included in the government’s measure of poverty. Thinktank Policy Exchange says the Child Poverty Target is underestimating the number of children living in poverty in the United Kingdom.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
