Child Poverty Special Report: The poverty trap
Children & Young People Now
24 September 2008
Ten years ago, Labour pledged to abolish child poverty within a generation. Over the next few pages, we examine the progress made so far. But first, Ruth Smith investigates how the high cost of housing is trapping young people on benefits.
"Rent in the hostel should be decreased - nearly £200 a week is disgusting," says Cheralea, 18, from Kent. Embarrassed about being on benefits, she is angry too. "I had a job, but I had to leave. You could work your arse off. And even if I earned £1,000 a month, which is not going to happen, I would...