Charity welcomes budget as good news for struggling families 

NCH policy adviser George McNamara says: "This week's Budget is good news for teenagers and families with young children, particularly those on low incomes.

"NCH is pleased that the Chancellor has announced additional investment for families with very young children. We have clear evidence from our work that programmes such as Sure Start make a major difference to the lives of so many families living in deprived areas.

"Increasing Child Benefit and tax credits will give a significant boost to families struggling to make ends meet. But if the government is to meet its target of halving child poverty by 2010, it needs to channel many more resources into helping lone parents and ethnic minorities get back into work.

"It is really good news that 16 and 17-year-olds in work will be given college training or an apprenticeship to boost their careers. And NCH, actively campaigning for more youth volunteering, is delighted that an investment of up to £100 million is being made in this area over the next three years."

• NCH works in partnership to run more than 500 projects for the UK's most vulnerable children, young people and their families and in doing so supports over 140,000 people. For further information visit www.nch.org.uk.

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