Child poverty is a real issue in Bath and across the UK and it is crucial that we take it seriously at both a national and local level. We are all agreed that eradicating child poverty is crucial; perhaps even more so in Bath than other areas. I am pleased that Ministers across Government, including Secretary of State Iain Duncan-Smith, have consistently argued that it is not enough to tackle the symptoms of poverty without also tackling the underlying causes, and I welcome the Government's action to address this challenge. I highlighted in my maiden speech my commitment to combat child poverty in Bath. I also have personal experience with this issue as my mother is disabled and was a carer for her mother.
The Summer Budget was a clear indication that this Government is committed to improving the lives of everyone in society. Taken as a whole, 8 out of 10 working households will be better off by 2017-18, by an average of £130 annually. I was particularly pleased with the announcement of the introduction of the National Living Wage and the Government's objective of it reaching 60 per cent of median earnings by 2020.
Ministers are determined to ensure all young people can have the best start in life, and are tackling these issues head on. It is crucial that we focus on tackling the root causes of child poverty and I hope the indicators currently being developed will go some way in creating the real reduction in levels of child poverty.
Finally, I can assure you that Parliament will continue to hold Ministers to account for how their decisions impact on the poorest in our society. I was pleased that one of the first things the Prime Minister said on his re-election was "we will govern as a party of one nation" and I am determined to do what I can to ensure that is delivered. I was therefore pleased that the Welfare and Work Bill received Second Reading, and look forward to supporting its continued passage through Parliament.