[WATCH] Government announces €400 allowance to children at risk of poverty

In a bid to eradicate poverty among children and youths, the government this morning launched the 'Child Supplement' policy aimed to help families with children at risk of poverty.

The policy will be applicable to families who earn under €11,000 and single parents who earn under €9,000.

Social Solidarity Minister Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca described this policy as an important long-term measure to fight poverty and social exclusion from an early age.

She said that this goes over and above the children’s' allowance but families who do not make good use of these Child Supplement funds will see this benefit taken from them.

"Should parents refuse to abide by the child supplement instructions, such as allowing regular absenteeism, money will not be given to the parents but will be put aside to trust funds to be used by their children when they grow up, in search of employment or further education. This policy is not a cash-handout. Taxpayers' money should be handled with utmost transparency and accountability," Coleiro Preca said.

In order to benefit from this scheme, parents are requested to ensure the regular attendance of the child, health check ups, participation in sports or cultural activities and psychosocial support.

The first three children of each family will benefit from €400 yearly each, while subsequent children of the same family will benefit from €200.

Parents do not need to apply for this benefit the ministry said, since the government already has the necessary data.

"This is another long-term measure to fight poverty after the COLA increase, the reduction in utility tariffs, tapering of benefits and the free childcare initiative," Coleiro Preca underlined.

The policy will come into force from the next scholastic year. It will cost the government around €9 million annually.