#child-poverty

#child-poverty

Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald raised the heartbreaking case of nine-year-old Harvey Morrison Sherratt, who died in July. "He was failed by the Government. Harvey's case is not an isolated case. Such failures are shamefully a hallmark of your Government," she told Taoiseach Micheál Martin. Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns also raised the case, slating the Government for painfully slow progress on the issue of disability. "Sixteen thousand children are overdue an assessment of need, essential therapies are non-existent and hundreds of children left in agony waiting for spinal surgery," she said.

More than 225,000 children are living in poverty when housing costs are accounted for, similar to the levels of child poverty seen during the financial crisis, new research has shown.

A cross-party commission including former welfare ministers is urging the government to scrap the two-child benefit limit as part of an ambitious once in a generation plan to lift millions of people out of poverty. The Poverty Strategy Commission said billions of pounds of investment including a boost to the rate of universal credit was needed to reverse record levels of poverty in the UK, and tackle longstanding failures over rising hardship and destitution.

A London charity that runs a uniform swap, foodbank and shop became a barbershop for the first time. The Romford hub of S.M.I.L.E. London and Essex invited children from deprived backgrounds to have free haircuts so they feel confident when they return to school. The charity says it provides support to families facing poverty, homelessness and hardship across London and Essex.

Reeves said: I got into politics to help children facing the toughest challenges. This fund will give hundreds of thousands of children, young people and their families a better chance. For too long, these children have been overlooked.

The latest NHS data show that mental health problems among adults are at record levels, with people in the most deprived areas hardest hit.

The NHS is facing a crisis reminiscent of medieval health inequality, with spending soaring due to rising child poverty and untreated illnesses in the poorest communities.

Despite tighter budget constraints, the government aims for a €12 weekly pension increase by Budget 2026, reflecting commitments despite potential income tax cuts being reconsidered.

Swinney's announcement heralds a renewed commitment to tackling the cost of living crisis in Scotland, promising measures that set Scotland apart from the rest of the UK.

Swinney emphasized that the NHS will be central in his government's plans, highlighting the need to tackle GP appointment frustrations and increase health service capacity.