David Blunkett, secretary for State for Work and Pensions, meets Ishen Stewart Dowding, 14QUEEN'S SPEECH - CHILD POVERTY: THE Government has vowed to make tackling child poverty one of the central themes of Labour's next term.
David Blunkett Secretary of State for Work and Pensions was speaking to campaigners from the End Child Poverty Coalition.
He claimed that since 1997, around 600,000 children had been lifted out of poverty. Yesterday he met youngsters from St Thomas More School in Wood Green, north London, who told him what they wanted to see in the speech.
It included a play that included a Children's Queen's Speech.
Mr Blunkett said: "By October this year after inflation, families with children will be on average £1,400 a year better off, while the poorest fifth will be on average £3,200 per year better off," he added.
The target is to eradicate child poverty by 2020.
Recent figures show areas of Swindon are among the most deprived in the south west.
Labour councillor Coun Barrie Thompson represents one such place Parks.
He believes the Government has helped such areas.
"I think the Government has a good record on tackling deprivation," he said.
"Since Labour came to power we have seen an increase in resources.
"For example, we have the Goddard Park children's centre."
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