SVP is calling for improvements to income supports for one parent families in Budget 2017. Lone parents have the highest poverty and deprivation rates of any family type in Ireland and parenting alone on a low income has been made more difficult due to the reforms to the One Parent Family Payment. These reforms have reduced the incomes of working lone parents and make it more difficult for lone parents who are not in employment to take up work, education or training.
SVP is asking that in-work income supports for one parent families are improved, and that additional supports are provided to help lone parents to take up education and training. Lone parents need extra supports as they are the main carer and main breadwinner for their family. Raising children on a low income poses many practical and emotional challenges and a combination of adequate income supports, both in and out of employment, as well as access to affordable and quality childcare and housing are needed in order to lift families out of poverty.
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