What children and young people need from the Government's Child Poverty Strategy

Summary

• In recent months the government have made positive steps forward for children and young people. In June eligibility for free school meals was extended – called a “down payment” for the Child Poverty Strategy by the Prime Minister. 1 In July the government committed to a much needed £500m investment in family hubs.
• Despite these welcome announcements, on current trajectories, 34% of children in the UK will be in poverty in 2029/30 up from 31% in 2023/24. Reducing child poverty within this Parliament must be the key focus of the forthcoming Child Poverty Strategy, where even bolder action will be needed.
• The Strategy is expected in November 2025 – the final 8 weeks provide a critical window to ensure the manifesto commitment for an ‘ambitious strategy to reduce child poverty’ is delivered.
• On 22 May, Barnardo’s set out six essential elements for the Strategy to deliver transformational change for children. This briefing provides an update and where further change is needed.