North East Mayor Calls for Lifting of Two-Child Benefit Cap Amid Child Poverty Crisis

Strategic Insights -

As the North East experiences a child poverty crisis, with 120,000 young people growing up in poverty, Mayor Kim McGuinness has reiterated her call for the Government to lift the two-child benefit cap. The mayor has launched a £28.6m plan to tackle child poverty in the region, which includes 36 schemes aimed at supporting local families. The plan includes initiatives such as a health-in-pregnancy grant for expectant mothers, a baby box programme, wider youth provision, and cheaper public transport for young people leaving care.

Key Takeaways:

  • The North East is experiencing a child poverty crisis, with 120,000 young people growing up in poverty, almost a third of the region's young population.
  • Mayor Kim McGuinness has launched a £28.6m plan to tackle child poverty in the region, which includes 36 schemes aimed at supporting local families.
  • The plan includes initiatives such as a health-in-pregnancy grant for expectant mothers, a baby box programme, wider youth provision, and cheaper public transport for young people leaving care.
  • Scrapping the two-child benefit cap is considered the "natural next step" by Mayor McGuinness, aiming to make a massive difference to thousands of families in the region.
  • The North East Child Poverty Commission, the National Education Union, and the North East Chamber of Commerce have praised the regional action plan.
  • Bridget Phillipson, Education Secretary and Sunderland MP, co-chair of the Government's child poverty taskforce, has raised concerns about the Government's ability to lift the two-child benefit cap amid financial pressures.

Statistics:

  • 120,000 young people in the North East are growing up in poverty, almost a third of the region's young population.
  • £28.6m is the budget allocated for the four-year programme to tackle child poverty in the region.
  • 36 schemes are part of the regional plan to support local families.
  • 1 in 3 children in the North East are growing up in poverty.

Sources:

  • BBC News: "North East mayor launches £28.6m plan to tackle child poverty"
  • The Journal (Newcastle): "North East mayor's £28.6m plan to tackle child poverty"
  • North East Child Poverty Commission: "Regional Action Plan to Tackle Child Poverty"