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<p>Tackling child poverty is a key priority for this Government. We have provided
an unprecedented package of support throughout the pandemic, injecting billions into
the welfare system for those most in need, including increases to the Universal Credit
and Working Tax Credit standard allowances of up to £1040 this financial year, and
uplifts to the Local Housing Allowance rates to cover the lowest 30% of market rents.
The Covid Winter Grant Scheme builds on that support with an additional £170m for
local authorities in England, to support families with children and other vulnerable
people, with the cost of food and essential utilities this winter.</p><p> </p><p>Our
long-term ambition is to level up across the country and to continue to tackle child
poverty, through our reformed welfare system that works with the labour market to
encourage parents to move into, and progress in work, wherever possible. This approach
is based on clear evidence about the importance of parental employment, particularly
where it is full-time, in substantially reducing the risks of poverty and in improving
long-term outcomes for children.</p><p> </p><p>Our £30bn Plan for Jobs is another
step on the ladder to achieving this and will support economic recovery through new
schemes including Kickstart and Job Entry Targeted Support. We are also doubling the
number of work coaches who, through our Jobcentre network, will provide more people
with the tailored support they need to move back into work and towards financial independence.</p>
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