6 Sept 2016

Government needs long term plan for 'Brexit children', says Quaker charity

Eva Peris/Flickr
A Quaker charity has set out its vision for what it's calling the Brexit generation.
The Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF) has launched a special five-point plan to try and solve the majority of poverty by 2030.
JRF says poverty costs around 4% of the UK's GDP. £69 billion of this figure is spent on public services needed to solve the issues it creates - £1 in every £5 spent on public services.
In all it says poverty costs the UK around £78 billion a year, which totals £1,200 for every person.
The five-point plan in brief:
1. Boost incomes and reduce costs
2. Deliver an effective benefit system
3. Improve education standards and raise skills
4. Strengthen families and communities
5. Promote long-term economic growth benefiting everyone
The JRF wants the government, regulators and companies to work together to end the 'poverty premium', where people on low incomes pay more for goods and services such as fuel and credit.
This 'poverty premium' can add as much as 10% to a minimum household budget, according to their report.

Julia Unwin, Chief Executive of JRF, said: "It's shameful that in the 21st century, 13 million people in our wealthy country are living in poverty.
"A new 'long term deal' to solve poverty is urgently needed so the first generation of 'Brexit children' starting school this week grow up in a country where no matter where they live, everyone has a chance of a decent and secure life."
"If we don't take action now, poverty is set to increase for children and working-age adults. Poverty is the biggest social evil of our time - we must act now."

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