Recognition & Respect 14/2/01

Recognition and respect for lone parent families

On Valentines Day Gingerbread asks politicians to send lone parents a Valentine by making a commitment to recognize, respect and support them in bringing up their children without discrimination and hardship.

Our Manifesto launched today calls for:

Respect for lone parents’ right to decide when and whether to return to work.
A carer’s supplement for those on Income Support who decide to be at home full time with their children.
Paid parental leave so that lone parents can combine work and caring without stress and financial hardship.
Good quality, affordable, flexible childcare for all children whose parents want to use it.

Clare Rayner, President of Gingerbread says, "We welcome recent Government initiatives that assist lone parent families. But Gingerbread's manifesto shows how much more needs to be done. Between a third and a half of children will spend some time in lone parent households and they have a right to develop their potential and participate fully in society."

Amanda Ball, Gingerbread’s Chief Executive says, "Improving the lives of lone parent families in and out of work is about social justice. Lone parent families are not second class, they are the families of a quarter of all our children. They deserve our recognition, respect and support."

For further information contact:
Margaret Creear 0207 488 9300 ext. 208 or mobile 07957 243736
or Amanda Ball 07957 245712
Ends

Notes to editors
1. In the UK today there are 1.7 million lone parents caring for 2.9 million children – one in four of all families with dependent children.
2. Over the last 20 years they have suffered from an enormous growth in inequality. In 1979 19% lived in poverty now that figure stands at 62%.
3. Poverty is defined as living on less than half average income after housing costs.
4. The full text of Gingerbread’s Manifesto is available on our website: www.gingerbread.org.uk
5. Lone parents may be mothers or fathers, from all ethnic groups and all social classes. But what they have in common is that generally they survive on a low income - 62% live in poverty. Gingerbread is not asking for special favours for lone parents – our campaign will improve the position of all low-income families.