Tottenham children at increased risk of poverty

From 6th April the Working Tax Credit rules change. Prior to April 2012 couples with children had to work 16 hours per week to qualify. From April couples will have to work at least 24 hours per week between them with at least 1 parent working 16 hours per week. This means that couples currently working between 16 and 24 hours will no longer be entitled to WTC and could lose up to £3,870 a year.

Recent research has suggested that up to 78% say that they will not be able to find the extra hours of work that they need in order to maintain their current income and access to Tax Credits. Official data shows that over 1400 households in the Tottenham constituency are expected to lose their entitlement. This will affect over 4,000 children. This is the 5th hardest hit constituency in the UK.

Parts of Tottenham already have high Child Poverty levels and are already some of the most deprived areas in the country. Further cuts in benefits will increase poverty and, in some cases, will mean that people are better off out of work.

Even for those parents who are working the required number of hours reductions in the amount of help towards childcare costs a well as Tax Credits no longer increasing if incomes fall (by £2,500) mean that the support to prevent low income families entering into poverty is greatly reduced.

Markos Chrysostomou, Director of HCAB said: “Haringey already has extremely high levels of Child Poverty particularly in Tottenham and families are already struggling. Cuts in support for those who are working will mean that we see more and more families struggling to pay essentials such as rent and utility bills.”

It is therefore more important than ever that anyone affected by these changes seek advice in order to maximise their entitlements and ensure that they do not suffer more than they need to. If Working Tax Credit stops they may be entitled to extra Housing Benefit or free school meals. While this will not make up for the total loss it could help to prevent the more extreme affects of it.

Haringey CAB currently run 3 Advice Sessions in Children’s Centres in Tottenham as well as a further 5 sessions across Haringey specifically targeting families most at risk of poverty. These sessions are aimed at working to combat Child poverty in Haringey and are in partnership with Haringey Council.

For further information contact your local Children’s Centre or the CAB based in Tottenham (551b High Road, N17 6SB) and Turnpike Lane (14A Willoughby Road, N8 OJJ). Telephone: 0844 826 9715 or visit www.haringeycabx.org.uk

Posted by Site Admin on behalf of Haringey CAB

Note: There are sessions in the Ladder Children's centre on Wednesday mornings and Woodlands Park on Tuesday mornings 9.30 - 12.30