Labour Party leader Keir Starmer has emphasized the party’s commitment to addressing child poverty by unveiling a plan aimed at lifting more than 500,000 children out of poverty by the end of the decade. In an article for The Mirror, Starmer highlighted the impact of political decisions on child poverty, noting the contrasting approaches of Tory and Labour governments in tackling this issue.
The newly released strategy highlights the significant reduction in child poverty achieved during the last Labour government, with 600,000 fewer children in relative low income compared to 1997. However, since 2010, there has been a concerning reversal, leading to a record 4.45 million children now living in poverty.
Key elements of the strategy include measures such as raising the minimum wage, revising child maintenance payments, and enhancing the warm homes discount. Of particular importance is the abolition of the controversial two-child benefit limit, which is projected to play a central role in reducing child poverty levels. The comprehensive set of measures is expected to elevate 550,000 children out of poverty by 2030.
A pivotal component of the child poverty strategy is the removal of the two-child benefit limit, as announced by Labour MP Rachel Reeves during the recent Budget presentation. This limit, introduced by the Conservative government in 2017, restricts Universal Credit and Child Tax Credits to only the first two children in a family, a policy criticized for exacerbating child poverty. The plan now aims to eliminate this limit by April 2026, with a projected impact of lifting 450,000 children out of hardship.
In addition, the government has expanded free school meals to all children in England whose parents receive Universal Credit, a move expected to benefit 100,000 children in reducing low-income levels by 2030. The rollout of free school breakfast clubs in primary schools across England is also part of this initiative, ensuring over half a million disadvantaged children receive a nutritious lunch daily.
Calls for further action include the universal provision of free school meals, similar to the system in place in London. Efforts to reduce the cost of school uniforms are underway, with plans to limit branded items required by schools, potentially saving parents around £50 per child starting from September 2026.
To address the issue of families being placed in Bed and Breakfasts beyond the legal limit, the government has allocated an £8 million emergency fund to rectify this situation. Councils will be required to inform schools, health visitors, and GPs when a child is placed in temporary accommodation, ensuring better support and awareness of such circumstances.
Moreover, new measures include a childcare boost for families on Universal Credit, enabling easier access to upfront childcare costs for parents returning to work. Recognizing the financial challenges faced by individuals entering or rejoining the workforce, the government aims to facilitate this transition by adjusting eligibility rules for childcare support.
The government’s comprehensive strategy underscores its commitment to addressing child poverty and implementing measures to improve the well-being of vulnerable children and families across the country.