Overview
- An open letter coordinated by Lord John Bird and signed by dozens of charities, MPs and public figures, including Emilia Clarke and Chris Packham, urges the government to adopt ambitious, measurable child poverty targets.
- Chancellor Rachel Reeves has signalled potential changes to the two-child benefit limit in the budget timetable, while the Resolution Foundation warns that partial reforms would have little meaningful effect on overall child poverty rates.
- A government spokesperson says an ambitious strategy will be published, highlighting £500m for Best Start family hubs, an extension of free school meals and a new £1bn crisis support package.
- Ministers previously rejected a Lords amendment to require legally binding targets, with education minister Jacqui Smith arguing such targets could narrow efforts to those just below the poverty line.
- Child poverty stands at a record 4.5 million, and the Child Poverty Action Group projects nearly 5 million by 2029 without stronger measures, as Bird plans to reintroduce his targets amendment at the bill’s report stage.