Child Poverty Scandal

8.37.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Mon 22nd Sep 2008

Figures released from the Department of Work and Pensions have identified that 25% of all children born in the North West of England are living in poverty, and in some areas in the region that rises to almost 100%.

Helen says, "It is scandalous that in the 21st Century, and after 11 years of Labour government, the number of children in the north west living in poverty is still so high. This is not just a Labour problem, the Tories did not solve this issue when they were in power for 18 years! That is why I supported the Lib Dem proposal to reduce the tax burden for those people on low and average incomes. People need additional income in order to escape the poverty trap, and paying less tax is one way of achieving this. This situation is only going to get worse in the short-term as the credit crunch affects more and more people. Urgent action is required to end this outrage."