Bristol South MP criticises Government’s “callous” welfare policies as child poverty spikes
Karin Smyth MP is calling on the Government to take immediate action to tackle the growing problem of child poverty as new data released by the End Child Poverty Coalition shows 34.4% of children – 7996 children – live in poverty in Bristol South.
The Coalition, along with the Labour Party, are calling on their Government to scrap their planned cut to Universal Credit, which will slash families’ budgets by more than £1000.
Karin has long campaigned on the impact of Child Poverty, which was rising well before the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Karin Smyth said:
“It is truly appalling that in the 21st century there are children living in poverty right here in Bristol South. The Government need to prioritise tackling poverty and child poverty in the recovery from this pandemic if we are truly to level up and rebuild a country that is more equal than that which the pandemic struck.
“The Tories must reverse their callous decision to cut Universal Credit in the new year. It is clear that inequality and poverty are growing in the UK and cutting money from the poorest families will only drive more children into poverty. The Government must reconsider”.