Andy Smith, President of ADCS, said:

“Millions of children live in poverty, with research clearly demonstrating that 14 years of austerity and welfare policies, such as the two-child benefit cap, are driving family distress. Government statistics indicate that approximately 1.6 million children were impacted by this policy. The impact of child poverty is far reaching, it is linked to low birth weight in babies, poor physical and mental health and it is much harder to learn if you’re going to school hungry. Eliminating this the two-child benefit cap alone will not resolve the child poverty crisis.

"A wider review of the welfare system as well as changes to health, education, employment, housing and immigration policies are also needed as part of a comprehensive strategy to address the complex social issues that contribute to child poverty. The recently announced ministerial taskforce is hopefully the first step towards this. Whilst this ambitious strategy to reduce child poverty is welcomed, we need to eradicate child poverty if we are to create a society that is based on the principles of social justice and recognises and values the significance of childhood for all children.”

ENDS