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Amy Gibbs, Director of Advocacy at Unicef UK said: “Yesterday’s Budget was a wasted opportunity by the Government to address the key issues impacting children’s rights to survive and thrive in the UK.

“Unfortunately, while it showed willing to focus on children’s needs with some funding for mental health and social care support, there are still significant shortfalls.

“While Unicef UK considers the additional £20 million for local authorities to tackle air pollution a step forward, it is insufficient to address the scale of the problem and damage being done to our children’s health. One in three children in the UK live in an area with dangerous levels of toxic air and they are being disproportionately affected when travelling to or at school.

“We urgently need clear action from the Government, with more ambitious targets to reduce toxic air and a ring-fenced pot of funding to protect children from the impact of air pollution, when and where they are most exposed.”

For further information please contact:

Unicef UK Press Office on +44 (0)20 7375 6030 or media@unicef.org.uk

About Unicef

Unicef is the world’s leading organisation for children, promoting the rights and wellbeing of every child, in everything we do. Together with our partners, we work in 190 countries and territories to translate that commitment into practical action, focusing special effort on reaching the most vulnerable and excluded children, to the benefit of all children, everywhere. Unicef UK raises funds to protect children in danger, transform their lives and build a safer world for tomorrow’s children. As a registered charity we raise funds through donations from individuals, organisations and companies and we lobby and campaign to keep children safe. Unicef UK also runs programmes in schools, hospitals and with local authorities in the UK. For more information please visit unicef.org.u