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Child Poverty Remains High In The Uk Essay

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Explain why child poverty remains high in the UK and is increasing
Introduction
Child poverty is a persistent issue in the United Kingdom (UK), affecting an significant proportion of the nations children each year. Although the UK is a developed country, the it has a higher than average rate of child poverty in Europe (see figure 1), approximately 4.2 million children were living in poverty as of 2021 (Department for Work and Pensions, 2023). The amount of children affected is predicted to increase further because more families will become vulnerable to financial hardship because of the COVID-19 pandemic, conflict in Ukraine and austerity to name a few. This essay will explore the causation of child poverty in the UK and why it continues to …show more content…

Children living in poverty are more likely to experience poor physical and mental health, have limited access to education and employment opportunities, and be exposed to higher levels of crime and social exclusion. These challenges can persist throughout their lives and contribute to a cycle of poverty that affects not only individuals but also communities and society as a whole.

How is the UK tackling child poverty and is it effective?
The UK government has implemented various measures to tackle child poverty, although the effectiveness of these measures is a matter of debate. Some of the measures implemented by the UK government to tackle child poverty include:
Universal Credit: This is a single payment system for people who are on a low income or out of work. It replaces several previous benefits, including Child Tax Credit and Working Tax Credit. The government claims that Universal Credit simplifies the benefits system and helps people to get into work.
Free School Meals: Children from low-income families are entitled to free school meals. The government has extended this entitlement during the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure that children who are not attending school still receive a nutritious …show more content…

While some argue that the measures are not enough to make a significant difference, others argue that they are a step in the right direction.

Why is child poverty increasing in the Uk
Child poverty in the UK has been increasing in recent years for various reasons, including:
Low Wages: Many families in the UK are working but still living in poverty. The minimum wage has not kept up with the rising cost of living, which means that families are struggling to make ends meet.
Changes to the Benefits System: Changes to the benefits system, including the introduction of Universal Credit, have made it harder for some families to access financial support. Some families have experienced delays in receiving payments, which has put them in financial difficulty.
Housing Costs: Housing costs in the UK are high, particularly in cities, which means that families are spending a significant proportion of their income on housing.
Inadequate Support for Working Parents: Many parents in the UK struggle to balance work and caring responsibilities. The cost of childcare can be prohibitively expensive, which means that some parents are unable to work full-time or at

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