Poverty has a profound impact on children's life chances, which is why the Government's commitment to eradicating child poverty within a generation is so important.
Some good progress has been made over the past few years, but not enough for the Government to meet its target of a 25 per cent reduction by 2005.
In June I was asked by the Department for Work and Pensions to scrutinise its contribution to tackling child poverty.
Having looked closely at the department's policy and practice, I believe three things need to change. First, the support that parents receive when they are looking for work should take more account of their family responsibilities. Both fathers and mothers should be offered help with finding quality, affordable childcare and assistance to secure a job that fits with their family commitments.
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