Overview

• The Department for Work and Pensions reported 4.45 million children living in poverty in the UK as of March 2024, the highest figure since 2002-2003.
• This marks an increase of 115,000 children from the previous year, with households earning below 60% of the median income after housing costs classified as in poverty.
• Campaigners and charities have described the figures as a 'national shame' and are pressuring the government to scrap the two-child benefit limit introduced in 2017.
• Government impact assessments project that welfare reforms could push an additional 50,000 children into poverty by 2029/30.
• While overall poverty rates in the UK have slightly declined, child poverty continues to rise, highlighting disparities in the impact of economic and welfare policies.