Tackling child poverty: What will success look like?

Putting food on the table and making ends meet can be a real struggle for countless families – and the government has made tackling child poverty a priority.

That’s why there’s been more than a few big announcements, which ministers hope will lift more than half a million children out of poverty by the end of this parliament, such as:

• scrapping the two-child benefit limit
• expanding free school meals from September 2026
• launching the Crisis and Resilience Fund
• free breakfast clubs
• extending funded childcare entitlements to working parents

But how will we know if they’re delivering results or not?

Government to report progress every year

Research studies are to be carried out and statistics reviewed every step of the way.

This information will help ministers establish what approaches are working and delivering the best outcomes.

And significantly, key numbers will be reported every year.

That brings some transparency and accountability into the process, so we can all see if the government is on progress to reach its target.

“I understand the very real hardship families face when money is tight, and the pain of wanting to give your child every opportunity to succeed, while struggling just to get by,” said education secretary Bridget Phillipson.

“That is why we are investing in the practical support that makes a real difference.”

Work and pensions secretary Pat McFadden added: “This baseline report shows we are taking a serious, evidence-led approach to tackling child poverty, driving forward the change that gives every child the security and opportunity to thrive.”

Find out what benefits you can claim

If you’re a parent struggling with your day-to-day expenses, it’s certainly worth finding out what support you could be entitled to.

Get in touch or try our benefits calculator to see what you’re eligible to claim.

You might be able to access more help than you realise - even if you’re in work.