Charity says Government's decision to scrap vouchers is 'morally right and politically inevitable'

Charity says Government's decision to scrap vouchers is 'morally right and politically inevitable'

29 October 2001

Save the Children welcomed today's asylum announcement by Home Secretary David Blunkett as a step in the right direction towards securing the best possible future for children seeking asylum in the UK. The charity is delighted by the Government's decision to phase out the voucher scheme, which undermines support and protection for some of the most vulnerable children in our society.

However, the charity responded cautiously to Government proposals for new style accommodation centres. Save the Children also called on the Government to end the voucher system immediately rather than phasing it out.

Rebecca Hickman, Political Advisor for Save the Children UK said:

"The Government's decision to abolish vouchers is both morally right and politically inevitable. Today's announcement gives credence to the Government's claim that its commitment to end poverty applies to all children, including asylum seekers. However, it is unacceptable that the voucher system should be allowed to continue for any length of time, consigning more children to live in poverty, supported by a degrading system. The Government should scrap vouchers immediately.

Save the Children is cautious about proposals for accommodation centres and is reserving judgement on these plans until further details are published. However, it would be unacceptable if accommodation centres were simply detention centres under another name. Clearly this would have serious implications for the rights and needs of children and young people.

Finally, while dispersal continues, Save the Children is calling on the Government to end the unacceptable and inhumane practice of dispersing unaccompanied minors at 18 years old."

Ends

For more information please contact:
Save the Children's Press Office 0207 716 2280/
07831 650409 (out of hours)
Email: press@scfuk.org.uk

Notes to editors

Save the Children (UK) is the country's leading international children's charity working to make a reality of every child's right to a happy, safe and secure childhood. For 80 years Save the Children has been working to improve the lives of children and families all over the world including those affected by war, political upheaval and natural disasters regardless of race, creed or ethnicity
Save the Children has a long-term commitment to work with young refugees and asylum seekers and has produced a series of reports on their treatment in the UK.

www.savethechildren.org.uk

Charity says Government's decision to scrap vouchers is 'morally right and politically inevitable' 29 October 2001

Charity says Government's decision to scrap vouchers is 'morally right and politically inevitable'

29 October 2001