We’re aiming to lift 1 million children from poverty by 2030

Around 3 in 10 children (4.3 million children across the UK) live in relative poverty.

This not only inflicts hardship on children in their formative years, but also has a long-term impact on their future health, wellbeing and economic prospects.

But there are 4 things Government can do today to help change this.

We think these changes will lift 1 million children aged 0-15 living from relative poverty by 2030.

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4.3 million children in relative poverty after housing costs (30% of all children in the UK), 100,000 more than last year

Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), released 21 March 2024, GOV.UK website, statistical release, Households below average income: for financial years ending 1995 to 2023.
826,000 children live in households that have used foodbanks in the last year

Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), released 21 March 2024, GOV.UK website, statistical release, Households below average income: for financial years ending 1995 to 2023.
34% children in poverty live in lone parent households

Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), released 21 March 2024, GOV.UK website, statistical release, Households below average income: for financial years ending 1995 to 2023.
43% of children in poverty live in a household where someone has a disability

Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), released 21 March 2024, GOV.UK website, statistical release, Households below average income: for financial years ending 1995 to 2023.
35% of children in poverty live in a household headed by someone from an ethnic minority (defined as non White British)

Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), released 21 March 2024, GOV.UK website, statistical release, Households below average income: for financial years ending 1995 to 2023.
50% of children in poverty live in a household with 3 or more children – affected by the two child limit

Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), released 21 March 2024, GOV.UK website, statistical release, Households below average income: for financial years ending 1995 to 2023.

4 things Government can do today

Remove the two-child limit

Removing the two-child limit would lift 250,000 children out of poverty and mean 850,000 children are in less deep poverty.

Abolish the benefit cap

Abolishing the cap would mean that about 250,000 children would be living in less deep poverty.

Reduce deductions from universal credit

Lowering the maximum deduction rate from 25% of the universal credit standard allowance to 15% will help families make ends meet.

Increase child benefit

Child benefit should be increased by £20 per child a week.

Cherie Blair CBE KC

“I am pleased to be a launch supporter of the Children's Prosperity Plan and their mission, which I think is ambitious yet imperative: to lift 1 million children in our country out of relative poverty by 2030. This goal is not just a number; it represents a million lives changed, a million futures brightened, and a million dreams revived. Achieving this requires more than just policy changes; it demands a united effort from every corner of society. From government bodies to private sector champions, from local communities to international partners, we must all come together in a grand coalition for our children. Mobilising this collective strength, we will ensure that the future of every child is defined not by the circumstances of their birth but by the boundlessness of their potential.”

4 more things Government can do over time

Expand free school meals

The current eligibility for means-tested FSMs is stringent, meaning 900,000 children in poverty in England alone miss out.

Regularly uprate benefits for children

The government should introduce a statutory duty to uprate all benefits, and related thresholds, by prices or earnings, whichever is higher.

Review the Child Maintenance Service

Review the Child Maintenance Service, including charges and enforcement measures, explicitly focusing on reducing child poverty in lone-parent families.

Remove 'no recourse to public funds' for families

Removing this condition for families with children would help 175,000 children.

We’re aiming to lift 1 million children from poverty by 2030

4.3 million children in relative poverty after housing costs (30% of all children in the UK), 100,000 more than last year

826,000 children live in households that have used foodbanks in the last year

34% children in poverty live in lone parent households

43% of children in poverty live in a household where someone has a disability

35% of children in poverty live in a household headed by someone from an ethnic minority (defined as non White British)

50% of children in poverty live in a household with 3 or more children – affected by the two child limit