Government's Strategy to Combat Child Poverty in England

In England, over 172,000 children are currently living in temporary accommodation, highlighting a significant issue of child poverty. The government has announced a strategy aimed at addressing this crisis, particularly focusing on the unlawful placement of families in bed-and-breakfast accommodations beyond the legally permitted six-week limit. Reports indicate that from April to June 2025, more than 2,000 children were found to be residing in such conditions for longer than allowed.

Child poverty strategy pledges end to children living in B&Bs

The government’s child poverty strategy includes several key measures. Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, "Too many families are struggling without the basics: a secure home, warm meals, and the support they need to make ends meet." Among the initiatives, the government has reversed the two-child benefit cap, expanded free school meals to all children from families receiving Universal Credit, and introduced free breakfast clubs. The Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) projects that the reversal of the two-child benefit cap could lift approximately 450,000 children out of poverty by the end of the current Parliament, with the expansion of free school meals contributing to further reductions.

Child poverty strategy pledges end to children living in B&Bs

Despite these initiatives, some critics argue that the measures may not be sufficient to address the scale of child poverty in England. The IFS noted that many of the recent announcements, including those regarding temporary accommodation, are aimed at "much smaller groups of people," suggesting that broader systemic changes may be necessary to tackle the root causes of poverty effectively.

Child poverty strategy pledges end to children living in B&Bs

The government has framed its strategy as a comprehensive response to the rising levels of child poverty, which currently affect 4.5 million children in England—approximately one-third of the child population—after housing costs are considered. The majority of these children come from working families, indicating that employment alone is not a safeguard against poverty.

Child poverty strategy pledges end to children living in B&Bs

• “Too many families are struggling without the basics: a secure home, warm meals, and the support they need to make ends meet,” — Prime Minister Keir Starmer

Child poverty strategy pledges end to children living in B&Bs

As the government implements its child poverty strategy, it will likely face scrutiny regarding the effectiveness of these measures and their impact on the broader population of children living in poverty. Future evaluations will be essential to determine the success of these initiatives in alleviating child poverty in England.

Child poverty strategy pledges end to children living in B&Bs