Children’s Commissioner urges ministers to confront child poverty - Jersey Evening Post
by Christie Bailey · Jersey Evening PostPosted inNews
Children’s Commissioner urges ministers to confront child poverty
by Christie Bailey 16 July 202615 July 2026
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THE Children’s Commissioner has commissioned research into how money and poverty affect children’s day-to-day lives in Jersey, as it called on the new government to confront child poverty “honestly and openly”.
It comes after 13 charities, schools, businesses and family organisations signed an open letter which warned that many Island families are at “breaking point” and called for a fundamental rethink of how support is provided.
In a statement issued in response to the letter, the Office of the Children’s Commissioner for Jersey welcomed the growing public debate around poverty and living standards, praising charities and community organisations for highlighting the pressures facing families.
It highlighted the importance of ensuring children’s voices are heard in decisions affecting their lives.
“While discussions about poverty and living standards often focus understandably on households, families and adults, it is important to remember that children experience the consequences too,” the statement said.
The office warned that financial hardship affects far more than household budgets, explaining that children growing up under intense financial pressure could see every aspect of their lives impacted – including their food, housing, education, mental health, sense of belonging and access to opportunities.
It added that poverty cuts across fundamental rights, including a child’s right to development, health, education, dignity and an adequate standard of living.
Referring to official figures showing around one in four Jersey children live in relative low-income households after housing costs, the statement said single-parent families continued to face particularly acute financial pressures, while housing, food, energy costs and unequal access to services formed part of the same wider picture.
The Commissioner called on ministers to be “more direct and candid” when discussing the issue.
“During the formation of this new government, we would urge ministers and political colleagues to speak honestly and openly about child poverty in our community, and to recognise it as a serious and growing children’s rights concern,” the statement said.
The office revealed it has commissioned research into children’s own experiences of how money affects their lives and is examining the legal and policy framework surrounding children’s material circumstances.
A public report is expected later this year, with the aim of informing future debate, reducing stigma and ensuring children’s rights are consistently reflected in government policy and services.
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