Britain's young deserve better from this government

http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/jul/20/child-poverty-government-action

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In an impassioned speech on childhood, a rare event in today's political landscape, in 2008 David Cameron vowed that if he won power he would tackle, among other issues, the "hostile" environment in which parents operate, the challenge of child poverty and the rising cost of living. His ambition was admirable. "We really can make this country the best place in the world for children to grow up," he said. Six years on, at the end of the school year and the beginning of the long holidays – with a dearth of holiday childcare places according to the charity 4Children – it's a good time to examine progress.

Efforts have been made. For instance, the increase in health visitor numbers and the offer of 15 hours free childcare for disadvantaged two-year-olds. However, in the four years the coalition has been in power, youth services have been slashed by a third, child benefit has been frozen and a combination of welfare changes and low wages mean that child poverty is once again rising, so its promised abolition by 2020 is unlikely. Last week, a shoal of headlines further indicated that for our young (and the United Nations defines "young" as under 25), the report card continues to read: "Could do very much better."

Last Wednesday, at a parliamentary round table, paediatrician Dr Ingrid Wolfe, one of the co-authors of Why Children Die published in May, gave a succinct and shocking analysis of why the UK has the second worst mortality rate for children in western Europe.

Poor children are twice as likely to die as the more affluent. Chronic diseases such as asthma and diabetes are not properly addressed, while one in three young people is overweight. Mental ill health among children and adolescents is also in crisis, with cuts to child and adolescent mental health units resulting in only a fraction of the need being met.

Also last week, a report by the Institute for Fiscal Studies revealed the extent of the growing wealth gap between the generations. For those in their twenties, real living standards fell by 13% 2007-8 to 2012-13, with no decline at all for those over 60. This is partly explained by a 15% drop in real wages for twentysomethings. Research by the University of Kent indicates that support for higher public spending on retired people has fallen from 57% in 2011 to 48% last year – falling fastest among pensioners themselves, an indication, according to the Financial Times, of "intergenerational solidarity". All three parties are said to be discussing a change to some of the universal benefits that older people enjoy, such as free bus passes.

The demands of an ageing population and the clout they hold as voters has seen a drastic drift of resources away from children and young people. This at a time when a growing body of evidence underlines the value of early intervention to develop cognitive, linguistic and social skills and ensure robust physical and emotional health.

It is right that all children have the best start possible but it also makes sound economic sense. Child poverty, for example, drains £29bn a year from the national coffers. A major re-ordering of priorities is essential. Enver Solomon of the charity the National Children's Bureau rightly argues that the Office for Budget Responsibility should ensure that policies do not continue to hit children and young people disproportionately. A minister for children and young people, with the clout to pool resources and act across departments could drive greater co-ordination. In addition, a set of national indicators to include, for instance, goals in health, education, youth employment and early years, would annually reveal progress – or lack of it.

In September, the colleges involved in the health of young people – including the Royal College of General Practitioners and the Royal College of Paediatricians – will vote to decide on the creation of a unified Foundation of Child Health, to speak with a single voice and make campaigning more effective. Such a change is welcome.

Young people also urgently need a determined champion at Westminster. As the prime minister said in 2008: "Creating a good society for children to grow up in is one of the great tests of any nation's character."