Tackling Child Poverty: The Challenge for Our Generation

This past weekend I spoke on a platform in Birmingham with the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, James Purnell, at an event concerning child poverty. In ten years we've lifted nearly a million children out of poverty, but millions more remain as families still struggle to make ends meet. Labour is the only party pledged to end child poverty within a generation (other political parties see it just as an "aspiration") but the difficulties in achieving this goal are many. In my speech I talked about the work we're doing in Walthamstow and how the issues facing families in our area are very different to those facing James who represents an area in Greater Manchester. I also raised the need to do more to support youth services and play activities for children all year round.

Ending child poverty here in Walthamstow is a subject close to my heart, shaping many of my local priorities. For example, it's why I've been looking at how we can develop our local economy. A new report by the London Child Poverty Commission shows just how important employment is in addressing child poverty. We need more small local businesses generating the local jobs parents want.

We'll be holding another event for parents in Walthamstow and their children to look at what we can do to help local families in April. Get in touch if you would like to be involved in helping fight child poverty in Walthamstow.