Policy
15 July, 2008
Child Poverty Unit announces launch of the London Pledge
Organisations called on to tackle child poverty in London
The Child Poverty Unit announced the launch of the London Pledge today, which calls on organisations that work with children and families across the Capital to recognise their role in tackling child poverty and to pledge to do more.
The child poverty rate has fallen by less in London than any other region in the UK, with inner London rates at 31% - compared with the national average of 22%.
The London Pledge asks services that work with children and families, such as jobcentres, schools, childrens centres and other local groups to sign up to a set of specific actions to help London’s families raise their incomes and lift themselves and their children out of poverty.
Commenting on the launch, Stephen Timms, DWP Minister said -
'Child poverty is not acceptable, and it is not inevitable. We can all do more to support families experiencing hardship and break the cycle of deprivation. This is not just a job for central government - public services, local government, charities and communities and others - must play a role. We are challenging all these partners to recognise that ending child poverty is their business, and to commit to playing their part in this historic challenge.'
The London Pledge is seen as a vehicle to bring organisations together to commit to actions that are realistic and achievable for their particular service, including:
- Acting as exemplary employers, leading the way in family friendly working practices helping parents progress to better paid jobs
- Breaking down boundaries between different services to reduce unnecessary bureaucracy, delay and frustration for parents in accessing the help they need
- Appointing a Child Poverty Champion - a senior member of staff who will ensure the organisation delivers it’s commitments
- Seeking the input of children, young people and parents to shape the services on offer
Organisations who want to commit to the London Pledge should contact the Child Poverty Unit.
For more information, see the DWP press release Ministers call for commitments to tackle child poverty in London.
