CHILD LOCK - LASTING CHANGE FOR CHILDREN, LOCKED IN.
IT'S TIME FOR A CHILD LOCK
In the UK the number of children living in poverty is rising: a staggering 4.3 million, or 9 in every classroom of 30.
With the price of many essentials going up, families are left struggling more and more to make ends meet. Parents are doing everything they can but if the UK government doesn’t step up and do its bit as well children will still be going to school hungry, struggling to concentrate.
IT DOESN’T HAVE TO BE LIKE THIS
We need to see choices being made that put children first
It’s time for the UK government to listen to children and their families and make choices to build a society that values its children, investing in their present and their future.
We need investment in children ‘locked in’
The pensions triple lock has helped to move millions of older people out of poverty by making sure their pensions keep up with rising costs. Now Save the Children is calling on the UK government to give children the same support their grandparents get by ‘locking’ investment across all aspects of children’s lives.
WHAT WE'RE CALLING FOR
THE UK GOVERNMENT CAN REDUCE CHILD POVERTY AND CREATE LASTING CHANGE FOR CHILDREN BY:
Supporting through social security
We’re calling for a ‘child lock’ that would benefit all children by ensuring that children’s social security payments – like Universal Credit and Child Benefit – increase by whichever is higher of earnings or inflation.
Investing across government
We are also asking the UK government to lock in investment for children in education, housing and children’s mental health services, so that children have the support around them to achieve whatever they want to achieve.
Acting now so no child has to wait to get the help they need
When the cost-of-living crisis hits families hard, children can’t and shouldn’t be expected to deal with empty plates and empty stomachs while waiting for a plan to be made. That’s why we’re calling for policies like the unfair two-child limit to be scrapped.
AN INVESTMENT IN ALL OF US
WHEN CHILDREN MISS OUT, WE ALL LOSE
Getting the right support in one area of life can lead to positive outcomes in other areas too. A child lock would be an investment not just in our children, but in our families, homes and communities. Imagine the difference that would make to our society – now and for generations to come.
Here’s what the young people and parents who helped shape our child lock recommendations have to say:
WE NEED CHANGE NOW
We’re asking for investment in children across the UK government. Here are the reports that outline the change we want to see in different areas of children’s lives:
Child lock: How the UK government should lock in lasting change for children
Child lock: a child lock in education
A Dual Crisis: The hidden link between poverty and children's mental health
Housing report - to come
YOUTH PARTICIPATION
This campaign is guided by the voices of children and young people. For a summary of the initial focus groups, see the report:
How to get involved
DO YOU AGREE THE UK GOVERNMENT NEEDS TO TAKE MORE ACTION TO END UK CHILD POVERTY?
Add your name to let them know you think action is needed now.
WANT TO HEAR MORE?
Sign up to Save The Children UK’s mailing list to make sure you get the latest news about this work and how to get involved.
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