Action for Children: Child poverty strategy a 'serious step forward'

Lucy Schonegevel, Director of Influencing at Action for Children said:

“This strategy has the potential to transform the lives and life chances of hundreds of thousands of children and marks a serious step forward in tackling the child poverty crisis.

“Evidence from our Paying the Price report was clear that removing the draconian two-child limit would be the most efficient lever the Chancellor could pull, so we are heartened that this is at the core of the strategy.(1)

“The expansion of breakfast clubs in schools and increased access to free school meals will provide some much-needed relief. And as our report showed, investment in social housebuilding is key to reducing the use of temporary accommodation and transforming child poverty levels in the long-term.

“To fully realise the strategy’s ambition, it is vital we build upon these foundations further in the months and years to come. We stand ready to work with the government on implementation, and on the further steps it can take to improve the social security system, further widen access to childcare and family support services and boost parental employment."

ENDS

MEDIA CONTACT: 020 3124 0661 / [email protected]

NOTES TO EDITORS:

1. Paying the Price of child poverty, Action for Children (March 2025)

About Action for Children
Action for Children protects and supports vulnerable children and young people by providing practical and emotional care and support, ensuring their voices are heard and campaigning to bring lasting improvements to their lives.

With 342 services in local communities across the UK, in schools and online, in 2024/2025 we helped 551,400 children, young people, and families. actionforchildren.org.uk