Key Takeaways
- Over 172,000 children in England are living in temporary accommodation, highlighting the need for urgent action to address child poverty.
- The government plans to end the "unlawful placement" of families in Bed and Breakfasts (B&Bs) beyond six weeks, as current laws state that families with children should only be housed in B&Bs as a last resort and for a maximum of six weeks.
- Child poverty levels are at a "historic high", with 4.5 million children living in relative poverty after housing costs, and three-quarters of these children coming from working families.
- The government has introduced several measures to tackle child poverty, including reversing the two-child benefit cap, expanding free school meals, and introducing free breakfast clubs.
Introduction to Child Poverty in England
The issue of child poverty in England has reached alarming levels, with over 172,000 children living in temporary accommodation. This has prompted the government to take action to address the problem, with a focus on providing stable and secure housing for families. The current situation is dire, with many families struggling to make ends meet and provide basic necessities for their children. The government has acknowledged that child poverty levels are at a "historic high", with 4.5 million children living in relative poverty after housing costs. This is a staggering number, and it is even more concerning that three-quarters of these children come from working families.
The Problem of Temporary Accommodation
One of the key issues contributing to child poverty is the use of temporary accommodation, such as B&Bs, to house families. While councils are only meant to use B&Bs as a last resort and for a maximum of six weeks, the reality is that many families are being forced to stay in these accommodations for much longer. In fact, figures from April to June 2025 show that more than 2,000 children had been living in B&Bs for longer than six weeks. This is unacceptable and highlights the need for urgent action to address the shortage of suitable housing for families. The government has announced plans to end the "unlawful placement" of families in B&Bs beyond six weeks, which is a step in the right direction.
The Government’s Child Poverty Strategy
The government has introduced a range of measures to tackle child poverty, including reversing the two-child benefit cap, expanding free school meals to all children from families receiving Universal Credit, and introducing free breakfast clubs. These measures are designed to provide support to families who are struggling to make ends meet and to help lift children out of poverty. The Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) has forecast that ending the two-child benefit cap will account for 450,000 of the children lifted out of poverty by the end of the Parliament, with the remainder attributable to expanding free school meals. While these measures are welcome, it is clear that more needs to be done to address the root causes of child poverty and to provide stable and secure housing for families.
The Need for Urgent Action
The issue of child poverty is complex and multifaceted, and it will require a comprehensive and sustained effort to address it. The government’s announcements are a step in the right direction, but more needs to be done to provide support to families who are struggling. As Prime Minister Keir Starmer has said, "Too many families are struggling without the basics: a secure home, warm meals, and the support they need to make ends meet." It is unacceptable that in one of the wealthiest countries in the world, so many children are living in poverty. Urgent action is needed to address this issue and to provide a better future for these children.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the issue of child poverty in England is a pressing concern that requires urgent attention. The government’s plans to end the "unlawful placement" of families in B&Bs beyond six weeks and its introduction of measures to tackle child poverty are welcome, but more needs to be done to address the root causes of poverty and to provide stable and secure housing for families. It is only by working together and taking a comprehensive approach that we can hope to lift children out of poverty and provide them with the opportunities they deserve. The government, local authorities, and civil society must all play a role in addressing this issue and ensuring that every child has access to the basics they need to thrive.
