The End Child Poverty Network Cymru (ECPN), coordinated by Children in Wales, welcomes the Welsh Assembly Government’s commitment to eradicate child poverty by 2020 however we are disappointed that it contains little that is new. Much of the document restates existing strategies and policies such as that for childcare and Children and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) which have been slow in being implemented. It is essential that these are given specific targets, milestones by which to measure achievement, sufficient resources and cross-departmental focus and implementation for the Welsh Assembly Government to realise its aspirations. We look forward to hearing about the plans for monitoring and evaluating the progress of this strategy.

Spokesperson of the End Child Poverty Network Cymru, Jayne Isaac (Public Policy Officer, NCH Cymru) said: “We welcome additional funding for Early Years initiatives such as Sure Start, Foundation Phase, childcare and play programmes as these have a crucial role to play in tackling child poverty. The commitment to have an integrated centre in every local authority is welcome and we hope that the Welsh Assembly will build on this so that these services are available to children in poverty wherever they live”

The ECPN is pleased that the Welsh Assembly Government has shown its commitment to the delivery of targeted support in non-stigmatising ways. For example the use of cashless cafeterias to reduce the stigma of free school meals. It is important that individual Local Authorities demonstrate their commitment to such action. Many children each year do not claim their free school meals because of the fear of stigma

and bullying.

Coordinator of the End Child Poverty Network Cymru, Lucy Akhtar said: “ECPN welcomes the Welsh Assembly Government’s affirmation of eliminating child poverty but if it is to meet its pledge it will need to ensure that this strategy is made a priority for action for Welsh local government. Local Authorities and other partners should be asked to commit to it and be given sufficient resources to make it a reality.”

Notes to Editor

1. The Welsh Assembly Government will publish their child poverty strategy, “A Fair Future for our Children” on Wednesday 9 February

2. For more information about poverty and health contact Lucy Akhtar, Co-ordinator End Child Poverty Network, Tel: 02920 342434 or 07800 822624

3. The End Child Poverty Network Cymru (co-ordinated by Children in Wales) is a coalition of concern focused on child poverty whose Steering Group Members include Children in Wales, Barnardo’s Cymru, Save the Children Cymru, NCH Cymru, NSPCC Cymru, Communities that Care, Fairbridge Cymru, Citizens Advice Bureau, the Frank Buttle Trust, Shelter Cymru, and the Office of the Children’s Commissioner for Wales. We also have a growing number of Supporter Members who support our vision that no child in Wales should be living in poverty by 2020. These members come from a broad cross-section of voluntary and statutory organisations.