Beyond the 2000s, the number of children growing up in families with poor means increased. But now the trend has seriously reversed. The share and number of children growing up in families with persistently low incomes fell for the second year in a row in 2022, new figures from Statistics Norway (SSB) showed on Thursday. – It is very good that the number of children living in poverty is decreasing, says Finance Minister Trygve Slagsvold Vedum (Sp). Families with children rather than tax relief It is particularly among families with many children that you see a decline in children growing up in low-income families. In the autumn of 2019, child benefit was increased for the first time since 1996. It has since been further stepped up. The decline among the youngest children has occurred at the same time as the politicians in the Solberg and Støre government have increased child benefit rates, according to Statistics Norway. – This shows that child benefit is a very good tool, says the finance minister. He also leads a party that is ardent advocate for increasing child benefit, but at the same time emphasizes the importance of getting people into work. On Wednesday, Vedum said that he would encourage more people to work through tax relief. – We must make new tax measures that will reduce the tax burden on working people, he told VG. – Do you want to prioritize child benefits and daycare, rather than tax relief for employees, Vedum? – Yes, we must prioritize helping families with children, he replies to news. He adds that he also wants to reduce the tax burden, especially for low-income families. Fewer children = fewer poor children The reason for the positive development is complex. It also has the side effect that the number of children in the population as a whole is falling. In the period 2020–2022, there were almost 9,000 fewer children than in 2019–2021. Furthermore, the figures apply to children who live in families with persistently low incomes. Ukrainian refugees are not part of this calculation, as it assumes that one has been resident in Norway for three years. FRP’s immigration policy spokesperson Erlend Wiborg believes that by accepting many immigrants, the left is contributing to increasing child poverty in Norway. FRP’s immigration policy spokesperson Erlend Wiborg says it is a paradox that the left both believe they are fighting against child poverty and at the same time accept as many immigrants as possible. Photo: Kristoffer Steffensen Lenes / news – Unfortunately, there is a general increase in so-called child poverty in Norway, which is inextricably linked to immigration as 6 out of 10 persistently low-income families have an immigrant background, says Wiborg. Enormous price growth since 2022 – These figures show that the increased child benefit we have fought for in SV is working. That’s what SV leader Kirsti Bergstø says. – It shows that measures to get people into work, a good distribution policy, increased benefits and child benefit and lower prices for daycare and after-school care are effective for families with children to have more to live on. It is good for everyone, but especially important for those who have the least. Left party leader Guri Melby believes the figures are the best news of the year so far. – I am still worried when I see the numbers. The statistics show the families’ finances in 2022. That was before the enormous price increase last year. Since then, food prices have increased by 10 per cent and interest rates have risen and risen. This must not become a resting pillow, she emphasizes. Høyre’s 2nd deputy leader and fiscal policy spokesperson Tina Bru is also concerned about the children who still live in families with challenging finances. – In recent years, the Conservative Party has been concerned with increasing child benefit and lowering taxes to make up for the rising prices. At the same time, we will target offers such as free core time in kindergarten and maximum parental payment for the after-school scheme.
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Vedum will prioritize families with children over tax relief – news Norway – Overview of news from different parts of the country
