Four in 10 Disabled Children Living “In Poverty”
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October 7, 2011 TheFreshOutlook  |
Groups urge the government to “review” the Welfare Reform Bill as report confirms 320,000 disabled children are living in poverty.
Four in 10 disabled children are living in poverty throughout the UK, according to a recent report from the Children’s Society.
The findings, which were released on Friday, state that over 300,000 children are living in poverty as their family income falls below 60% of the national average.
It also states that a third of the 320,000 children are living in “severe poverty” as their income falls less than 40% of the average.
Bob Reitemeier, chief executive of the Children’s Society, said: “These finds are staggering and very worrying. Hidden costs, such as transport, heating and learning aids, are forcing more disabled children and young people and their families into poverty.”
Charities are urging the government to change the proposed Welfare Reform Bill, which is nearing its final stage in parliament.
If passed, the government will introduce Universal Credit in order to change the current benefit system to a single monthly payment.
“Under Universal Credit there will be no cash losers for existing claimants where their circumstances remain the same,” said a spokesman for the Department for Work and Pensions.
“We want to … ensure that people receive the same level of support from childhood and beyond, with resources targeted at those people who need the most help.
“Our radical welfare reforms will benefit the poorest in society and target support at those who need it most to make work pay and break the benefits trap,” he added.
Ministers believe the bill will simplify the current system; however, charity groups disagree.
The Children’s Society says that around 100,000 children will lose up to £27 per week if the Welfare Reform Bill is passed. Consequently, the group, alongside 30 other charities, has launched an online petition called ‘Don’t let disabled children pay the price of welfare reform’.
The petition has received 5,000 signatures so far.
“It is essential that the government does not cut rates of support for disabled children under the Universal Credit,” said Mr Reitemeier.
“We believe that this cut in support can only lead to more disabled children being pushed into poverty and we are urging the government to review it.”
By Catherine Rees
[Image courtesy mag3737]
