But campaigners say real progress was made between 2000 and 2010 and have expressed concerns that this could be endangered by cuts to the welfare budget - including curbs on tax credits and housing benefit caps - central to the coalition's deficit reduction plan.

BBC: Children playing by boarded-up houses

MANCHESTER, New Hampshire (CNN) -- Democratic presidential contender Wesley Clark on Monday unveiled a sweeping tax plan that he said would benefit 31 million families without increasing the federal budget deficit.

CNN: Clark unveils tax plan