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Peter Black and South Wales West Liberal DemocratsRepresenting Aberavon, Bridgend, Gower, Neath, Ogmore, Port Talbot, and Swansea |
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Assembly Member quizzes First Minister on child poverty stats
April 8, 2008 12:00 AM
The Welsh Liberal Democrat spokesperson for Social Justice, Peter Black, has questioned the First Minister over why the Westminster Government appear to be 'burying bad news' by delaying the release of statistics on child poverty.
These figures are normally issued in March, but will instead be issued on the 2nd May, the day after the local elections. The announcement of the new Mayor of London also happens on the 2nd so any statistics are likely to receive minimal news coverage. Many experts expect these statistics to show that the government is unlikely to meet its pledge to halve child poverty by 2010.
"It seems incredibly convenient that statistics which will show how badly the Government is doing on this key policy area happen to be delayed until after what is predicted to be an already difficult local election campaign for Labour." said Mr Black. "Statistics over the past few years and other indicators show that child poverty is not decreasing at the rate required to meet the Government target."
"Given the recent tax changes that will penalise those on the lowest incomes, the Government appears to be backpeddling on child poverty. Not enough is being done to help those on the lowest incomes. The Government should admit their failures and face the consequences for them, not attempt to hide behind Whitehall spin."
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