Written - Signing of the Joint Agreement on Child Poverty at Tonyrefail School, Tonyrefail

The launch event for the signing of a Joint Agreement on Child Poverty with public agencies in Wales took place on 26 March 2009 at Tonyrefail School, Tonyrefail.

The Joint Agreement on Child Poverty sets out the Welsh Assembly Government’s commitment to reducing child poverty and outlines ways in which other public organisations can make a contribution towards the eradication of child poverty in Wales

The Joint Agreement is a way for public agencies in Wales to sign up and publically demonstrate that they are also prepared to work with the Assembly Government to tackle child poverty.

The following organisations were the first to sign the Joint Agreement on Child Poverty on 26 March:

•  Welsh Local Government Association
•  One Voice Wales
•  Wales Council for Voluntary Action
•  NHS Confederation
•  Save the Children
•  Sports Council for Wales
•  Greenhouse
•  Mid & West Wales Fire and Rescue Service

Tackling child poverty and strengthening support to those families in greatest need is at the top of the Welsh Assembly Government’s priorities. I am delighted that these eight organisations have become the first in Wales to sign up to the Joint Agreement on Child Poverty and make their commitment to helping improve the life chances of the most vulnerable children and families. I hope that other public organisations in Wales will also sign up to the Joint Agreement on Child Poverty and I will be actively inviting them to do so.