Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Child Poverty: Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic Children

Wednesday 25 January 2023 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Government committed to a long-term approach to tackling poverty and supporting families on lower incomes
  • Minister pledged to work across Government to focus on disadvantaged groups, particularly through mentoring circles
  • Labour MPs highlighted that 46% of black, Asian and minority ethnic families live in deep poverty

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Catherine West Lab Hornsey and Friern Barnet
Benefits & Welfare Children & Families
Context

The question arises from the rising child poverty trends specifically affecting black, Asian and minority ethnic communities.

Question

If she will make an assessment of the implications for her policies of trends in child poverty levels for black, Asian and minority ethnic children. The Jesuits said, “Give me a child until he is seven and I will show you the man.” That means that the impact of what we do in helping children under the age of seven will create a more just future. What urgent action will the Government take to address deep poverty affecting 46% of black, Asian and minority ethnic families? Is there extra funding that can be given to schools and put into our teaching to support children under the age of seven in black, Asian and minority ethnic communities?

Answer from Mims Davies

The Government are committed to a sustainable long-term approach to tackling poverty and supporting families on lower incomes. To help people progress, the Department for Work and Pensions provides a range of support for anyone at any age, career stage or background to move forward and be better off. At 70%, the ethnic minority employment rate is at a record high. We know that work is the best route out of poverty, and that mentoring, support and being able to see role models are absolutely key.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Urgent action and extra funding for schools were not specifically addressed.

How: We Know That Work Is The Best Route Out Of Poverty

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Q2 Catherine West Lab Hornsey and Friern Barnet
Benefits & Welfare Children & Families
Context

The question addresses the deep-rooted poverty affecting a significant portion of black, Asian and minority ethnic families and seeks immediate steps to alleviate this issue.

Question

What urgent action will the Government take to address deep poverty affecting 46% of black, Asian and minority ethnic families? Is there extra funding that can be given to schools and put into our teaching to support children under the age of seven in black, Asian and minority ethnic communities?

Answer from Mims Davies

I commit to continuing to work across Government with those disadvantaged groups to make sure that that focus is rightly on them. Mentoring circles at the DWP can make a real difference, particularly to young people who are looking to progress from that deep disadvantage.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Urgent action and extra funding for schools were not specifically addressed.

How: We Commit To Continuing To Work Across Government

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Q3 Yasmin Qureshi Lab Bolton South and Walkden
Benefits & Welfare Children & Families
Context

The question highlights the severe issue of deep poverty affecting black, Asian and minority ethnic communities, with 46% of ethnic minority children living below the breadline.

Question

Black, Asian and minority ethnic households are twice as likely to be in deep poverty, struggling to afford everyday basics such as food and energy. That is 46% of ethnic minority children living below the breadline. Is the Minister proud of her Government's record, and will she answer the question that was put by my hon. Friend?

Answer from Mims Davies

No one should be left behind because of their postcode or their background. Mentoring circles at the DWP can make a real difference, particularly to young people who are looking to progress from that deep disadvantage.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Commitment to addressing deep poverty was not specifically addressed.

How: No One Should Be Left Behind

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