The UK Government has unveiled plans to track progress on lifting 550,000 children out of poverty, as detailed in a new report published on July 9. The document, titled 'Our Children, Our Future: Tackling Child Poverty: Monitoring and Evaluation - Baseline Report', establishes the 2024/25 starting point for child poverty ahead of the full Child Poverty Strategy.
Baseline Data Reveals Extent of Child Poverty
The baseline report shows that in 2024/25, four million children were in relative low income after housing costs, an increase of 700,000 compared to 2010/11. Additionally, 1.9 million children were in deep material poverty, a drop of 100,000 from the previous year. The Government aims to reduce the number of children in relative low income after housing costs to 3.6 million by 2029/30, lifting 400,000 children out of this measure.
Measures to Drive Change
According to the Government, scrapping the two-child limit, expanding free school meals from September 2026, and launching the £1 billion Crisis and Resilience Fund are expected to lift a total of 550,000 children out of poverty. These measures are already being implemented to drive change.
Research and Monitoring Approach
The Government will use a new four-year study focusing on parents and carers in or near poverty to guide its calculations. This research will examine how families' circumstances, incomes, and sources of support change, and how the Child Poverty Strategy is experienced in practice. It will incorporate lived experiences, cross-government policy evaluation, and contextual indicators covering key drivers of child poverty.
Ministerial Statements
Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden said: 'Tackling child poverty is one of the most important things this Government can do, giving the next generation their best chance of secure jobs and healthier lives. We’ve already made a start, scrapping the two-child limit and launching our £1bn Crisis and Resilience Fund are making a real difference. This baseline report shows we are taking a serious, evidence-led approach to tackling child poverty, driving forward the change that gives every child the security and opportunity to thrive.'
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson added: 'I understand the very real hardship families face when money is tight - and the pain of wanting to give your child every opportunity to succeed, while struggling just to get by. That is why we are investing in the practical support that makes a real difference - including our historic expansion of free school meals and the removal of the two-child limit, rolling out free breakfast clubs and affordable childcare across the country. Together, these represent the largest reduction in child poverty in a single parliament since records began. This report sets out how we will measure the impact of that support and hold ourselves accountable, so that every child, whatever their background, has the foundation they need to flourish.'
