Budget 2011: Action for Children responds to the budget

23 March 2011

Young people – employment/apprenticeships

“Too many of our young people are faced with bleak employment prospects, left with little hope as they try to find work in this tough economic climate. The government's pledge on apprenticeships and work experience will help to transform some young lives, however, for it to really bring about positive change, they must target the most vulnerable and isolated youngsters who face the greatest struggle to get jobs and on the employment ladder.

“Beyond simply opening doors to work, the government also needs to fund ongoing support for the most vulnerable young people, to help them remain in employment long-term. Only then will we be investing in creating brighter futures for all young people today and generations to come.”


EMA/ Discretionary Learner Fund

“The Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) has been an absolute lifeline for the most vulnerable young people across the country. Action for Children is bitterly disappointed that no top-up to the Discretionary Learner Fund (replacement to EMA) has been included in today's Budget.

“We work with thousands of vulnerable and neglected young people who, having relied on the financial support EMA brings, will now be forced to leave the education system at a time when jobs are scarce and they are most likely to have to claim benefits. There is still time for government to reinstate an education allowance and Action for Children will continue to put pressure on them to do this, and in turn give young people the chance to achieve their potential.”

Families

“Too many families are currently struggling to cope financially and finding it impossible to break relentless cycles of poverty and deprivation. Whilst some of the announcements in today's Budget will help families, we are particularly concerned for those who are at breaking point. The government must invest in support for families in need at the earliest possible stage. This is the most successful way to sustainably combat poverty and help those that need it most.”
Disability

“Tragically, families with disabled children feel financial pain more than other families. Rises in the cost of living will leave many feeling desperately worried about how they will cope, at a time when the cost of transport, food and housing disproportionately affect them.

“Now, more than ever, families with disabled children need support and it is disappointing the Budget didn't recognise this. In the current economic climate we are already concerned that many may have vital, and relatively low cost, support services such as short breaks taken away from them, tipping them into unnecessary crisis and costing society far more in the long term.

“We know that local authorities are faced with incredibly difficult decisions, but disabled children, young people and their families should not be the ones to bear the human cost of the country's deficit and they must have their financial and emotional needs met.”

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