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Cameron vows to support vulnerable families and invest in early years

Summary: Investment in early years, help for troubled families and ensuring children from poor backgrounds access good schools have been outlined as key priorities by Prime Minister David Cameron in his keynote speech to the Conservative Party conference.

Delivering the leader’s speech at the conference in Birmingham, Cameron also pledged that marriage will be recognised in the tax system.

"We will invest in early years, help put troubled families back on track, use a pupil premium to make sure kids from the poorest homes go to the best schools not the worst, recognise marriage in the tax system and make sure work really pays for every person in our country."  

Cameron pledged to look after the most vulnerable in society but warned that those unwilling to work would not be allowed to live off the hard work of others.

He added that it is up to those with the "broadest shoulders" to bear some of the impact of spending cuts.

Responding to his confirmation that in future the tax system will recognise marriage, Gingerbread chief executive Fiona Weir said the money it would cost could be more effectively spent.

"Research shows a married tax allowance would lift 10 times fewer children out of poverty compared to other measures and in a tough economic climate it is crucial that scarce funds are allocated on the basis of need rather than family structure."

Helen Donohoe, director of public policy at Action for Children, said that for David Cameron to achieve his aim of helping the vulnerable he should prioritise funding for support and services that act as a lifeline to many.

"We urge the government, as it looks to make crucial decisions over the forthcoming weeks, to not look at short-term fixes but rather long-term solutions that are key to addressing the complex, diverse needs of vulnerable families in a way that will benefit future generations," she said.

"Cuts must be demonstrated to be grounded in rational decisions and not knee-jerk, quick-win reactions."

Christine Blower, general secretary of the National Union of Teachers, said: "Yet again we are being told that there is no alternative to reducing the deficit other than through huge cuts. Well, there are alternatives, put forward by the TUC and a range of economists. There is a choice. The government needs to choose investment for growth for the sake of our schools and public services."

Source: Children and Young People Now

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