16.11.2006
4Children's Response to Queen’s Speech
4Children calls on government to move up a gear to unravel decades of inequality for children and families.
Anne Longfield, Chief Executive, 4Children said: “4Children is pleased to see that support for children, young people and families was central to the Queen’s Speech. But Government needs to move up a gear if it is to deliver on the promises it has made and unravel the years of inequalities and disadvantage.
“The Government’s pledge to eradicate child poverty and the continued commitment to investing in high quality childcare by implementing the 10 Year Childcare Strategy, and rolling out Children’s Centres and extended schools are welcome starts. But significant resources will need to be committed to children and families to act on these pledges. The forthcoming Comprehensive Spending Review will test Government’s commitment and resolve to make its vision a reality and support those that need the most help. “4Children has long espoused the importance of early intervention and prevention before cure, which is why we support the Government’s Social Exclusion Action Plan as a means of reducing social inequality. We welcome the proposals to strengthen communities and build community cohesion, and believe that more and better support for parents and families will enable them to better fulfil their roles, and care for their children. “But the needs of vulnerable children will be the ultimate test as persistent and powerful inequalities persist. Tackling these issues will require both focus and persistence over time, backed up by targeted resources and support. It is in this area that the greatest challenges to the next year of government lie.”
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