§ Mr. WigginTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what changes are planned in relation to the Government's poverty policy. [69010]
§ Dawn PrimaroloThis Government are committed to halving child poverty by 2010 and abolishing it within a generation. As a result of personal tax and benefit changes announced since 1997, by April 2003 the poorest families with children will be on average £2,400 better off in real terms.
To make further progress towards its eradication goal, Government are introducing two new tax credits—the child tax credit and the working tax credit—in April 2003. The Government are also making substantial investment in services for children.
The Government are also committed to tackling pensioner poverty. It has introduced the minimum income guarantee and is committed to raising it in line with earnings throughout this Parliament. From 2003, the pension credit will enable those with a modest amount of second pension or savings to gain on average just over £400 a year.