THE UK COMMITTEE FOR UNICEF (UNICEF UK) REACTION TO THE AUTUMN BUDGET

Home > Media Contacts and Press Releases > THE UK COMMITTEE FOR UNICEF (UNICEF UK) REACTION TO THE AUTUMN BUDGET

THE UK COMMITTEE FOR UNICEF (UNICEF UK) REACTION TO THE AUTUMN BUDGET

THE UK COMMITTEE FOR UNICEF (UNICEF UK) REACTION TO THE AUTUMN BUDGET

Dr Philip Goodwin, Chief Executive Officer for UNICEF UK, said “Today’s budget was an opportunity for the UK Government to put children first. Instead, two policies that would have made an immediate improvement to the lives of children in the UK and across the world were overlooked.

“Here in the UK, 4.3 million children are living in poverty. Had the Government ended the two-child limit, 300,000 children would have been lifted out of poverty. Immediately.

“Globally, 333 million children are living in extreme poverty. Had the Government invested in the aid budget, children would have had a more optimistic future. Instead, the aid budget reached its lowest point in 17 years.

“Finances are tight. But these decisions were not inevitable. The Government could have decided to invest in the lives of children. But instead, the most vulnerable here and around the world have not been prioritised.

“We urge the Government to immediately end the two-child limit and benefit cap as part of its upcoming Child Poverty Strategy. We also urge the Government to commit to an urgent top-up of the aid budget to cover aid being spent in the UK, alongside a clear roadmap to deliver their commitment to spending 0.7% GNI on aid.

“Children can’t wait. The Government must put them first. Until they do, children will continue to suffer and these decisions will follow them through their childhood and lives.”

ENDS

For more information, please contact the UNICEF UK media team on 0207 375 6030 or [email protected]

About UNICEF

UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. Across more than 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, to build a better world for everyone.

The UK Committee for UNICEF (UNICEF UK) raises funds for UNICEF’s emergency and development work for children. We also promote and protect children’s rights in the UK and internationally. We are a UK charity, entirely funded by supporters.

United Kingdom Committee for UNICEF (UNICEF UK), Registered Charity No. 1072612 (England & Wales), SC043677 (Scotland).

For more information visit unicef.org.uk. Follow UNICEF UK on TwitterLinkedInFacebook and YouTube