BPS welcomes new strategy to tackle child poverty
The BPS is urging the government to use this week's Budget to help lift children out of poverty
28 October 2024
Responding to the government's new strategy to tackle child poverty, President of the British Psychological Society Dr Roman Raczka said:
"We are pleased to see the government's commitment to tackling child poverty through this forthcoming strategy. Current levels of child poverty are completely unacceptable and a shame on our society.
"We know that children growing up in poverty are three to four times more likely to develop mental health difficulties later in life, with experiences in childhood having a major impact on children's life chances.
"To lift children out of poverty our social security system must provide families with enough to afford the essentials. The Budget is a critical opportunity to ensure that families and children have the support they need. Reviewing Universal Credit, ensuring the basic rate is high enough for people to cover essential costs, would be a good place to start."