Pre-Autumn Statement briefing for MPs
As the UK heads into recession, it is clear that high inflation and tough economic times will continue to put pressure on families with children. Disappointingly, the short-term cost of living support packages announced by the government to date do not match up to the scale of the challenge. Lower-income families are already at breaking point and are looking to the government to demonstrate that they will honour their promise to protect the most vulnerable. This is an important moment for the new government to fulfil this promise by taking urgent action to prevent and reduce child poverty. We need to see a move away from blunt, short-term responses towards a sustained investment in social security that protects those most in need.
CPAG recommends that:
- Benefits are uprated by at least September 2022 CPI (10.1 per cent)
- The benefit cap is abolished
- Families with children are provided with comprehensive support with energy costs
- Eligibility for free school meals is extended to all families on means-tested benefits
- Cuts to social security since 2010 are reversed