Latest news with #ChildPoverty
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Child poverty falls in Argentina, with further improvement expected in 2025
July 21 (UPI) -- Child poverty in Argentina fell by 14 percentage points in the second half of 2024, lifting an estimated 1.7 million children out of income-based poverty, according to a new UNICEF report. The study estimates that 52.7% of children in Argentina lived in households with incomes too low to cover basic food needs during the last six months of 2024 -- equivalent to 6.4 million children living in income-based poverty. The decline in income-based poverty came after a sharp rise in the first half of 2024, when child poverty rose above 67% and affected more than 8 million children. Based on official data from Argentina's National Institute of Statistics and Censuses (INDEC), UNICEF projects that child poverty will continue to fall in the first half of 2025, reaching 47.8%, while extreme poverty is expected to drop to 9.3%. The improvement is largely attributed to a 21% increase in real household income between the first and second halves of 2024. At the same time, Argentina's economy showed signs of recovery in early 2025. Official data show the economy grew 5.9% year-over-year in the first half of 2025. Sectors such as construction (+9.9%), retail (+9.3%) and financial services (+29.3%) led the rebound, supported by greater currency stability and a slowdown in inflation, which began easing in April. "Along with slowing inflation, social protection policies focused on children were key to reducing poverty -- especially extreme poverty," said Sebastián Waisgrais, UNICEF Argentina's monitoring specialist. Still, UNICEF warns that child poverty remains at "very high" levels and that conditions are still critical for millions of children and teenagers. The organization reiterated its call for sustained public policies to ensure access to essential rights including health care, education and adequate nutrition. Additional challenges stem from persistent inequality. For example, the poverty rate among children in households where the head did not complete primary school reached 80.9% in the second half of 2024, compared with 10.6% in homes where the head completed secondary education. Children in households led by informal workers faced a poverty rate of 68.4%, while poverty affected 72.3% of minors in informal settlements and 60% of those in single-mother households. In response to the report, sources from Argentina's Economy Ministry quoted by La Nación said the results are a "direct consequence of macroeconomic stabilization and the recovery of real wages." According to the same sources, "responsible fiscal policy, a halt to monetary expansion and market deregulation have laid the groundwork for translating economic growth into social improvements." Solve the daily Crossword
Telegraph
07-07-2025
- Politics
- Telegraph
Corbyn targets Streeting's seat with new hard-Left party
Jeremy Corbyn held an event in Wes Streeting's constituency hours after announcing that he would help to create a new Left-wing party. The former Labour leader, now an independent MP, spoke in Ilford North alongside Leanne Mohamad, the pro-Palestiniancandidate who came within 528 votes of defeating the Health Secretary at last summer's general election. Mr Streeting will face an uphill battle to keep his seat if the backlash over Labour's stance on the Israel-Gaza war continues. He is one of the most prominent MPs in Labour's moderate wing, and widely tipped to run for the party leadership when Sir Keir Starmer's tenure comes to an end. At the event, Mr Corbyn singled out the Starmer Government's record on tackling child poverty and failure to be more critical of Israel over its military campaign in Gaza, according to one source present. His appearance at the event at the City Gates Conference Centre, attended by around 300 people, took place at 6.30pm on Friday – five hours after he issued his statement about setting up a new party. The event, called Breaking the Two-Party Nightmare, had been planned before the public statement and was held to mark a year since the election. Mr Corbyn was joined on stage by Andrew Feinstein, the pro-Palestinian candidate who stood against Sir Keir in Holborn and St Pancras. One person present said of his speech: 'He talked about the failures of the Labour Government, particularly on child poverty, and critiquing arms to Israel and the Government's position on Palestine.' Mr Corbyn is also understood to have repeated comments made on ITV last week, where he said he and fellow pro-Gaza independents would 'come together' and 'there will be an alternative'. There was also fund-raising to help those campaigning against Labour. Two pots of Mr Corbyn's home-made jam raised £1,500. After the event, the former Labour leader shared footage of the gathering on the X social media platform in a post along with the words 'real change is coming'. Last week, it emerged that former Labour MPs on the Left were planning to launch a new political party. Zarah Sultana, suspended from Labour for voting to scrap the two-child benefit cap, said on Thursday that she and Mr Corbyn 'will co-lead the founding of a new party'. Mr Corbyn released his own statement on Friday, saying that 'a new kind of political party will soon take shape' but not stating Ms Sultana would be co-leader. It is still not known what the party would be called or what policies it will adopt, but it is widely expected that it will position itself considerably to the Left of where Sir Keir has taken Labour and be pro-Palestinian. Both issues could cause problems for Labour, which has attempted to balance its support for a two-state solution and condemnation of the lack of aid for Palestinians during the conflict in Gaza with supporting Israel's right to defend itself. Critics have warned that the new movement could help Nigel Farage's Reform UK, currently topping opinion polls, by splitting the Left-wing vote. Lord Kinnock, the former Labour leader, on Sunday called it the 'Farage Assistance Group'. Mr Corbyn enjoyed vast popularity with Labour members in 2015, when he surprised Westminster by claiming the leadership, and 2016, when he saw off a challenge from Owen Smith after the country had voted for Brexit. Labour's defeat in the 2019 election was followed the next year by his suspension from the party, after Sir Keir became leader, over his response to the Equalities and Human Rights Commission's report on how it had handled complaints about anti-Semitism. Mr Corbyn never regained the Labour whip, meaning he stood as an independent candidate at the last general election. He was re-elected in Islington North, the London seat he has represented since 1983.
Daily Mirror
14-06-2025
- Politics
- Daily Mirror
'I skipped dinner so my parents could eat my food - child poverty must end'
Growing up Georgia Sullivan would force down food she didn't like – in case there was no food at home. Now the 26-year-old and four other young people are calling on the government to end child poverty. Growing up in poverty has left an indelible trace on Georgia Sullivan. "I grew up with a fear of food, because I wasn't used to eating different things," Georgia, now 26, explains. "I'd be at school eating things I didn't usually eat, and I remember gagging because I needed to eat the meal because we might not have anything to eat at home. That's a core memory for me. As I got older, I'd sometimes not eat in the evening so my parents could eat my food." Georgia from Nottingham, who grew up in North London and Stevenage adds: "Part of poverty is trying to pretend and act like things that are ordinary for other people aren't extraordinary for you. There were times growing up I was told not to open the door because of the bailiffs. All the physical things – like having nits for months because we couldn't afford the treatments – have a real impact. I'm dealing with the lasting consequences every day." On Wednesday, Georgia and four other young people who grew up in poverty will hand deliver a letter to Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson and Liz Kendall, Work and Pensions Secretary – who co-chair the government's Child Poverty Taskforce. From their own experiences, and as young ambassadors for Action For Children, these five young people know better than anyone that every day a child spends in poverty is one day too long. After 14 years of brutal Tory Austerity, Labour inherited staggering levels of child poverty, affecting around 4.5 million children – yet the government's flagship Child Poverty Strategy has become mired in delays. Spring became summer, and now the strategy has reportedly been delayed until at least the autumn. And while Wednesday's Spending Review saw a return from the Chancellor to core Labour values – full of bold plans for transport, the NHS, infrastructure – there was no mention of lifting the two-child benefit cap or other measures that could dramatically shift the dial on child poverty. As internal rows continue to rage over the two-child limit, and benefit cuts continue down the pipeline, every day more children go hungry and endure health and mental health problems, bullying and indignities that will shape their adult lives. So, Georgia and a group of young people have decided to act to remind Labour of its manifesto commitment to end child poverty. "Dear Bridget Phillipson and Liz Kendall," their letter says. "We know how it feels to grow up in poverty. We've felt the anxiety, shame, and loneliness that poverty causes. We felt it as children, and as adults we still feel it. We worry that we won't be able to keep our own children from it. "Your government has said 'no child should be left hungry, cold or have their future held back' by poverty… Hearing these promises, we feel hopeful - but we're also worried… the two-child limit remains in place, and other benefits are being cut." They urge the cabinet ministers – "Please make the right choices." After the welcome government U-turn on winter fuel, ministers can expect to be deluged by anti-poverty charities over the coming weeks, pushing for action on the two-child benefit cap. Paul Carberry, CEO of Action for Children, welcomes the additional funding for children's social care, social housing, and the expansion of free school meals in the Spending Review. But he adds: "If this government is to succeed in its bold ambition to drive down the UK's shamefully high levels of child poverty, it must go further. The Child Poverty Strategy this autumn must rebuild our inadequate social security system, starting with scrapping the two-child limit and benefit cap." Another of the letter's co-authors, Louise Fitt, 24, from West London, says growing up in poverty has deeply affected her adult life. "Childhood poverty affected me in every sense, from not having enough to eat, to coming home and there being no money on the meter to have a hot shower or watch TV," she says. "We didn't have enough money for school uniforms, and we would wear our shoes until they were worn out. Not eating enough affected my concentration at school. We were underweight, malnourished. I couldn't go on school trips with my friends. I didn't know at the time we didn't' really have money, I thought I was being punished." At the age of 11, Louise went into care, and later became a young parent. "I now work full-time as a civil servant but it's still a struggle to make ends meet," she says. "Many care leavers like me lack the support networks that most people take for granted. But when you come from nothing, it makes you more determined. I started with nothing, but I want to leave knowing I have achieved something and leave a legacy for my daughter." Jo Rawle, 26, lives in Bideford, North-Devon. Having lived through childhood poverty, now – as a solo parent living in temporary accommodation – she fears history repeating for her four-year-old son. "My son has autism and complex additional needs," she says. "That means it's difficult for me to work until he starts school. Meanwhile, everything has gone up. Sometimes I run out of money to buy a bottle of milk or nappies or fuel, then I have to borrow money from a friend, which I have to pay back later." Jo's benefits income is not enough to support her and her son. "I've visited food banks before. I make sure my son comes first. I've gone without a meal myself and I wear my clothes until they have holes in them." A Government spokesman said: "We are determined to lift more children out of poverty. We have already expanded free school meals, increased the national minimum wage, rolled out breakfast clubs and introduced a fair repayment rate for universal credit deductions. And this week the spending review allocated £1bn in crisis support, including funding to feed hungry children during the holidays. We are determined to go further and that's why we will publish an ambitious Child Poverty Strategy later this year." The Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has told the Mirror in the past about her family being 'pushed into poverty' when she was a child and has called child poverty "a scar on our society". "I know what it is to grow up on free school meals, to grow up in a household where there isn't enough: when the house is cold, the food runs short, when the choices about which others don't think twice just aren't there," she has said. In Wednesday's Spending Review speech, Chancellor Rachel Reeves said that "every young person should have the equal chance to succeed". Young campaigners Georgia, Freya, Aaron, Louise, Holly and 4.5 million children are counting on Labour to make the right decisions.
The Sun
11-06-2025
- General
- The Sun
Free school meals for half a million for kids confirmed in spending review by Chancellor Rachel Reeves
HALF a million more kids will be eligible for free school meals, it's been confirmed by the Chancellor. As part of her spending review today, Rachel Reeves announced that every child in a Universal Credit household will now be eligible for state-sponsored lunches. 1 Addressing the House of Commons she said: "Last week, this government announced that Free School Meals will be extended to over half a million more children. "That policy alone will lift 100,000 children out of poverty from Tower Hamlets to Sunderland to Swansea." Currently, Universal Credit households must earn under £7,400 per year to qualify. The move is expected to save parents on benefits £500 a year, according to the Department for Education. Kids in UC households currently not eligible will be able to start claiming lunches from the start of the 2026 school year. The entitlement will apply in all settings where free school meals are available, including school-based nurseries and further-education settings. Most parents will be able to apply before the start of the new school year by providing a national insurance number. Education Secretary Bridget Philipson previously told The Sun the move was a "game changer". 'This will make a big difference to children's attendance and behaviour at school because we know that if kids are hungry, they don't concentrate well." The expansion of the scheme comes ahead of ahead of the government's Child Poverty Taskforce publishing a ten-year strategy to drive down poverty. Labour are also facing mounting pressure to scrap the two child benefit cap, If you are keen to apply for the support you need to do so via your local council. You can find out what council you are in by visiting Elsewhere, Rachel Reeves also vowed to pump £39billion to build more social and affordable housing across the UK, alongside a new rent policy for social housing starting in 2026. What age do kids get free school meals in the UK? In England, all eligible children from reception to year two qualify for free school meals - so kids aged roughly between four and seven. In Scotland, all children between four and nine will qualify, while in Wales, pupils aged around four get free school meals. But, of course, all primary school-aged children should be eligible for the scheme by the end of 2024. That means children between four and 11. In any part of the UK, from year three onwards, your children could qualify for free school meals. But this is when the eligibility criteria kicks in, meaning you'll need to be receiving certain benefits and your income may be taken into consideration. Currently, your child may be able to get free school meals if you get any of the following: Income Support income-based Jobseeker's Allowance income-related Employment and Support Allowance support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 the guaranteed element of Pension Credit Child Tax Credit (provided you're not also entitled to Working Tax Credit and have an annual gross income of no more than £16,190) Working Tax Credit run-on - paid for 4 weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit Universal Credit - if you apply on or after 1 April 2018 your household income must be less than £7,400 a year (after tax and not including any benefits you get) WHAT OTHER HELP IS AVAILABLE? You get child benefit if you're responsible for bringing up a child who is under 16 or under 20 if they are in approved education or training The payment is used to help parents cover the costs of childcare. It is paid at two weekly rates - £26.05 for your eldest or only child and £17.25 for any additional children. Payments are usually made every four weeks, on a Monday or Tuesday, but sometimes are made weekly. If you are claiming child benefit for a child under 12, you also receive National Insurance (NI) credits. NICs count towards your State Pension so claiming the benefit can be useful if you are missing any. Parents can also get help with free food vouchers through the government's Household Support Fund. What help is available for parents? CHILDCARE can be a costly business. Here is how you can get help. 30 hours free childcare - Parents of three and four-year-olds can apply for 30 hours free childcare a week. To qualify you must usually work at least 16 hours a week at the national living or minimum wage and earn less than £100,000 a year. Tax credits - For children under 20, some families can get help with childcare costs. Childcare vouchers - If your employer offers childcare vouchers you can get up to £55 a week in tax and national insurance savings. You pay for your childcare before your tax contributions are taken out. This scheme is open to new joiners until October 4, 2018, when it is planned that tax-free childcare will replace the vouchers. Tax-free childcare - Available to working families and the self-employed, for every £8 you put in the government will add an extra £2.
Daily Mail
06-06-2025
- Politics
- Daily Mail
JIM SILLARS: SNP settled for mediocrity and paid the price with this result
The by-election: two winners, one major casualty and a lot of questions answered. Against a background of anger in a 'Broken Britain' alongside 18 years of a SNP government (the last ten seeing ferry fiascos, a failing NHS, declarations of a housing emergency without emergency action, falling school standards and more time spent politically on trans identity and dodging the definition of a woman than on child poverty) the electorate in Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse gave their verdict. There is a sea change taking place in UK and Scottish life. People have had enough of the virtue signallers; they are fed up with lectures about what they can and cannot say; they have come to despise spin as a substitute for action; they are no longer afraid of being labelled bigots and racists for strongly opposing illegal immigration. Reform has caught that tide, and their Hamilton by-election and local equivalents is the result. Reform, which came within 869 votes of the SNP, accomplished its two objectives: find out if it could pass the acid test of significant support via the ballot box in Scotland, and if so, become a serious participant in the Scottish political scene. It enters the fray for the 2026 Scottish general election in the happy position of having a base, no government record to be attacked on, and opposition parties not understanding that it has risen because of their failures allied to their woke agenda and still clueless on how to combat it. If the parties Reform now threatens do not grasp their contribution to its advance, and stay with their by-election tactic of denouncing it as 'racist' and 'poisonous,' they will make the same mistake as the Democrats in the USA who, in demonising Trump, failed to realise that they had substituted lecturing to the people instead of listening to them. Perhaps even the Greens will look at their derisory 695 votes at Hamilton and reflect on the role they have played in the lecturing game at Holyrood. The big winner was, of course, Labour, who took the seat. The announcement of the result must have been sweet music to the ears of Anas Sarwar and Jackie Baillie, given all the pundits fell for the John Swinney claim that they were being outclassed and heading for a poor third place. Being umbilically attached to the unpopular UK Labour government was thought to be their fatal weak point. That proved not so. Even with a candidate who, as his reading of his victory speech showed, is not exactly inspirational, they took a safe SNP seat. What makes Labour's win important is that Hamilton is smack in the middle of the central belt, where lies the seat of Scottish political power, and where the SNP-Labour contest will be settled. A repeat of Hamilton in 2026 and Labour will be, at least, a minority government or the majority in a coalition. But for the SNP this was a very bad result. John Swinney, whose manifest failure to read the street shows a man with a tin ear and poor judgement, unfit for the leadership role the misguided SNP membership put him in. Their 7,957 votes at 29.4 per cent share of the vote was down by 16.8 per cent and much lower than the 33 per cent they have been getting in opinion polls. The old adage you reap what you sow remains true. The Sturgeon legacy of elevating mediocrity above talent turned the SNP government into a calamity for Scotland. On every issue that matters to the people, tax, jobs, education, housing, health, roads not built, and chid poverty they are failures. They got the defeat they deserved. Under the dead hand of Swinney there is more of that to come.
