‘Shocking’ report shows over 8,000 children are living in poverty in Oldham East and Saddleworth
Debbie Abrahams MP
The End Child Poverty coalition has published a ‘child poverty map’ of the UK which reveals that 8,280 children are living in poverty in Oldham East and Saddleworth.
Debbie Abrahams, MP for Oldham East and Saddleworth, responding to the report, said: “It’s shocking that the End Child Poverty Coalition’s report shows that in Oldham East and Saddleworth around one third of children are living in poverty.
“We mustn’t lose sight of the fact that over half of those living in poverty are in working households.
“It’s clear that low pay, insecure work and the lack of affordable housing are taking their toll on UK families and the children of this country are suffering as a result.
“That’s why Labour is calling for the full reversal of damaging cuts to Universal Credit which will leave 2.5 million working families on average £2,100 worse off.
“Only a Labour Government will stand up for working people, introduce a real Living Wage and build a fairer economy that works for all.”
The End Child Poverty coalition is warning that the benefits freeze in place until the end of the decade will mean that as prices rise, low income families will find it increasingly hard to pay for the same basic essentials. At the same time, recent cuts to in work support under Universal Credit further penalise low income working families – risking pushing more working families below the poverty line.
End Child Poverty is calling on the Government to use the upcoming Autumn Statement to end the freeze on children’s benefits, and to reverse the sharp cuts being introduced to in-work benefits under Universal Credit.
Author: Jude Gidney - Editor
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