About the London Child Poverty Commission
The London Child Poverty Commission was supported by the Mayor of London and London Councils between 2006 and 2010 to identify ways to reduce and eventually eliminate child poverty in London.
Why London needs a Child Poverty Commission
Poverty has negative impacts on London's children
Children living in poverty can experience negative effects on their life chances and opportunities: affecting their housing, health, education and in time employment. The level of child poverty remains high in London although it has fallen nationally since 1997. Inner London has particularly high rates of child poverty. Current data shows that just over half a million of London's children live in poverty. This is unacceptable in one of the world's most affluent and powerful cities.
Working together to eradicate child poverty
Central government has set national targets for halving child poverty levels by 2010 with a view to eradicating child poverty by 2020. Unless the existing high levels of child poverty in London are tackled, the capital will have a significant impact on the Government's ability to meet the national targets.
Our commitment to London
A unique city with complex needs
The Commission is an independent body set up by the Mayor of London and London Councils (formerly the Association of London Government) in February 2006. There are unique and complex issues that lie behind London’s high child poverty rates. The Commission will address London’s specific challenges, identify best practice and devise effective policy solutions. Part of the Commission’s work will report on the capital’s progress towards the Government’s child poverty targets.
What will the Commission do?
- Report on a timely basis to the Mayor of London and London Councils on progress in London towards meeting the government’s target of halving child poverty by 2010.
- Provide and commission authoritative analysis of the factors driving child poverty in London and on the impact of child poverty on different areas, groups and communities in London.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of national anti-child poverty policies in London.
- Identify best practice examples of initiatives on the part of London regional and local government to address child poverty and its effects.
- Identify new approaches to improving the life chances of children in poverty in London and breaking cycles of deprivation through public services.
- Provide a voice for London on poverty, raising issues concerning child poverty in London with central government, London MPs and stakeholders.
Who we are
The Commission will sit until 2010 and is supported by a secretariat. Kate Green, is the Chair of the London Child Poverty Commission.
The Commissioners
The Commissioners include people from diverse backgrounds: voluntary and statutory sectors; business; policy and research; academia; regional and local government and trade unions. As such, the Commission has a great deal of expertise and interest in poverty and related issues.
Governance
In consultation with the Chair, the Mayor and London Councils appoint members of the Commission. The Commissioners and Chair will serve for two years in the first instance.
The Secretariat
A secretariat of officers from London Councils and the Greater London Authority provides support for the Commission. The London Development Agency funds the post of a full-time co-ordinator.