By Claire Racine

The Child Poverty Bill is a major step in the fight against child poverty because it makes government action no longer just a pledge but actually enshrined in law, said Clare Tickell, chief executive of Action for Children.

“It is imperative that ministers hold their nerve during the recession and continue to invest in the preventative services that we know break cycles of deprivation and work to reduce the likelihood of family breakdown,” Tickell said.

Action for Children is committed to helping the most vulnerable children and young people break through injustice, deprivation and inequality so they can achieve their full potential.

Chief executive of Child Poverty Action Group, which campaigns for the abolition of child poverty in the UK and for a better deal for low-income families and children, agreed saying that the UK has higher levels of child poverty than most other wealthy countries.

“We will not end child poverty until we end the culture of inequality that has blighted Britain for the last 30 years,” said Kate Green, CPAG chief executive.

“That means more than just helping parents into work, it means fair pay, fair taxes, affordable childcare, decent homes and a minimum income for those who can't work that doesn't leave them in severe poverty.”

Green believes that it is also necessary to change welfare reform proposals to ensure that they do not push parents into subprime jobs furthering child poverty.

The Child Poverty Bill will not only reduce long-term costs to society but will also give hope by boosting confidence in children and their families, Tickell said.

“Only by adopting this approach will we empower people to make the most of education, training and employment opportunities and lift themselves out of poverty once and for all,” Tickell said.