Child-related payments to caregivers exclude 230,000 poorest children

CPAG appeals for funds to fight this injustice

Increasing numbers of New Zealanders are alarmed about the disgraceful level of child poverty in this country.  Child Poverty Action Group believes private charity cannot fix this problem and major changes to government policy are needed.

CPAG continues to challenge successive governments in the courts over the In Work Tax Credit which is denied to 230,000 children living in some of the poorest families in New Zealand.

“We need another $25,000 to take our long running human rights case the next step,” says CPAG Director Associate Professor Michael O’Brien.  

The In Work Tax Credit (IWTC) is a child-related family assistance payment.  As part of Working for Families it is supposed to reduce child poverty, yet 230,000 children miss out if their caregivers receive a benefit or are studying.  CPAG believes there are many other ways to create work incentives that don’t discriminate against the poorest children.  The IWTC is worth $60 or more a week and would make a big difference to struggling families. 

Until now, the Office of Human Rights Proceedings at the Human Rights Commission has paid for CPAG’s legal team.  They have pledged to continue providing junior counsel, but can no longer offer funding for senior counsel, court fees or expenses.  CPAG’s counsel has committed to do some of the work pro bono.  CPAG has raised nearly $25,000 to progress this case to the Court of Appeal, but needs a further $25,000 to cover legal costs.

To donate to our appeal please visit: http://www.cpag.org.nz/how-to-help/2012-appeal-help-fight-for-the-rights-of/  or make a direct deposit via Kiwibank 38-9003-0066858-08 please use APPEAL and your name as a reference. 

ENDS

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