The Government is calling for organisations working with families in London to make a commitment to helping children out of poverty, including sharing ideas to shape services, and taking the lead as employers by offering family-friendly working practices.
The scheme was launched today by the Child Poverty Unit, which brings together representatives from the Department for Children, Schools and Families, the Department for Work and Pensions and HM Treasury (News, 31 October 2007).
It comes in response to recommendations by the London Child Poverty Commission, which said the Government should set specific objectives to reduce child poverty in the capital.
Children's minister Beverley Hughes said, 'London has a particularly high level of child poverty and a unique set of problems, which make it harder for Londoners to step out of the poverty trap. These problems can only be tackled through a concerted effort by services in London, working together to be truly responsive to the needs of whole families.'
Thirty-one percent of children in London are believed to be living in poverty, against a national average of 22 per cent.
Organisations willing to sign up to the 'London Pledge' can contact the Child Poverty Unit via the DCSF by e-mailing info@dcsf.gsi.gov.uk or phoning 0870 000 2288.
