Child poverty in the UK has increased for the last three years, and is currently at its highest level since the start of the decade. Around 30 percent - a staggering 4 million - of UK children are now classed as poor. Growing up poor means significantly reduced opportunities in life, impacting everything from health to work.
Despite this crisis, our government is planning to drag even more families into poverty. Analysts have warned that planned cuts to working-age benefits will further increase poverty rates over the next three years, which means even more UK children growing up in poverty.
Campbell Robb, CEO of anti-poverty organisation the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, said of the expert predictions: “These troubling figures are warning signs we could be at the beginning of a sharp rise in poverty, with forecasts suggesting child poverty could rise further by 2021.”
The proposed cuts are an attack on those already bearing the brunt of our government's austerity measures, and will do untold damage. We must stand together against the cruel slashing of basic welfare. Please sign this petition to demand that Universal Credit is protected from cuts.
The Rt Hon Damian Green, the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions:
The planned cuts to Universal Credits will leave yet more UK families in poverty.
Child poverty in the UK is already shockingly high, at around 4 million. Financial analysts have warned that cuts to Universal Credit will increase child poverty dramatically.
The poorest in our society should not be punished with any more austerity measures.
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Sincerely,
[Your name]
