21 November 2008 - Daycare Trust have voiced agreement with recent comments from Sir Richard Tilt, head of the Social Security Advisory Committee that changes to the benefits system, including lone parent benefits, should be delayed because new measures may “push people into poverty”
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CONTACT: DAYCARE TRUST PRESS OFFICE, 020 7840 3350, OUT OF HOURS 0780-4508768
Daycare Trust voice support for Sir Richard Tilt over lone parent benefit changes
Daycare Trust have voiced agreement with recent comments from Sir Richard Tilt, head of the Social Security Advisory Committee that changes to the benefits system, including lone parent benefits, should be delayed because new measures may “push people into poverty”.
Daycare Trust’s Policy and Research Manager Maxine Hill said:
“Sir Richard Tilt is right to highlight the lack of suitable, affordable childcare for lone parents that are affected by these changes to the benefit system.
“We agree with Work and Pensions Secretary James Purnell that work is the best route out of poverty so where lone parents can take up work they should be encouraged to do so.
“However, our childcare costs surveys show above inflation increases in the cost of childcare, especially during school holidays, which eats into the family budget. We need to be realistic about this and delay these reforms, especially at this time of economic difficulty.”
Ends.
NOTES TO EDITORS
Daycare Trust joint Chief Executive Alison Garnham is a member of the Social Security Advisory Committee and contributed to their recent report.
www.ssac.org.uk
Daycare Trust is the national childcare charity, campaigning for quality affordable accessible childcare for all and raising the voices of children, parents and carers. We advise parents and carers, providers, employers, trade unions and policymakers on childcare issues. We recognise that everyone is unique and we value difference in our communities. We listen to all views and are committed to act without prejudice. We oppose all discrimination and promote equality in all we do.
Daycare Trust is calling on the government to:
- Meet parents' aspirations for universal childcare services by:
- expanding free places for two, three and four-year olds to at least 20 hours a week, for 48 weeks in the year and
- subsidising out of school activities for all 11-14s and for younger children from poorer families, aiming ultimately to make them free.
- Tackle the affordability crisis by giving local authorities the means to develop sustainable services in poorer areas and provide free places for those missing out, including places for disabled children, parents needing out of hours care, Further Education students and parents of under-threes who want to train.
- Raise the bar on childcare quality by expanding the Graduate Leader Fund, developing a new generation of childcare professionals and paying them properly.
Daycare Trust runs an information line (020 7840 3350) on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10am-5pm. Parents can also visit www.daycaretrust.org.uk for information.
Daycare Trust is a member of the Campaign to End Child Poverty, www.ecpc.org.uk.
For further information, contact press office at Daycare Trust on 020 7840 3350, ext 217 (out of hours 0780-4508768).
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