§ Baroness Howe of Idlicoteasked Her Majesty's Government:
What percentage of disabled children currently living at home could be classified as children living in poverty. [HL8]
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Work and Pensions (Baroness Hollis of Heigham)Tackling child proverty is a complex and multi-dimensional issue. It is not just about income; it is also about extra investment in healthcare and education services and improvements in the system for children and teenagers who are vulnerable or disabled.
The Government increased the disabled child premium in income-related benefits by £7.40 more than the normal uprating in April 2001, and again in April 2002 by another £5 more than inflation, to £35.50 a week. This is benefiting the families of around 80,000 children with disabilities.
For a multi-dimensional analysis of the term poverty, I refer the noble Baroness to Opportunity for All—Fourth Annual Report (CM 5598).
Further statistical information on disabled children living in households below average income can be found in Households Below Average Income 1994–95–2000–01 (thirteenth edition).
Copies of both publications are available in the Library.