The next government is being urged to pass critical legislation within the first 100 days following the general election, aiming to eliminate child poverty in the UK, according to five leading children’s charities. This coalition, which includes NSPCC, Action for Children, Barnardo’s, the National Children’s Bureau, and the Children’s Society, is advocating for a new commitment in the inaugural speech of the new government. They propose a “child lock” similar to the current pensions “triple lock”, which would ensure that financial assistance for parents consistently rises each year, rather than being subject to fluctuating political decisions and economic variables.
Pressuring Political Leaders
With the impending announcement of election manifestos, the call for decisive action will particularly resonate with Labour leader Keir Starmer. Recently, Starmer indicated that while Labour aims to end the controversial two-child benefit cap “in an ideal world”, they currently lack the necessary resources to do so. This cap has been implicated in pushing numerous children into poverty. The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, echoed this sentiment last weekend, labelling the two-child limit as both cruel and immoral.
Ensuring Sustainable Support
The proposed “child lock” would guarantee annual increases in child benefits, pegged to the greater of inflation as measured by the Consumer Price Index or rising average earnings. This is in stark contrast to the current situation where 4.3 million children are living in poverty in the UK—a troubling increase of 100,000 from the previous year—and indicative that in a standard classroom of 30 children, nine face poverty.
Broader Support Initiatives
In addition to legislative changes, the coalition of charities advocates for improved mental health services for young people, increased investment in children’s social care, and a strengthened focus on early childhood support. The CEOs of the five charities stated: “Child poverty means millions of children grappling with hunger and inadequate housing, while also facing psychological challenges like shame, social isolation, and parental stress. Without intervention from political leaders, the support systems that bind families together will continue to deteriorate, leaving more children vulnerable and without stability.”
They emphasized that the next government must recognize the severity of this issue and place the eradication of child poverty at the forefront of its agenda. A proactive step would be to introduce substantial legislation in the first king’s speech, establishing ambitious targets to reduce child poverty across communities. This should be accompanied by comprehensive reforms, orchestrated by the future Prime Minister, aimed at developing a multi-year strategic plan dedicated to enhancing the lives and futures of children and young people throughout the UK.
Ensuring Basic Necessities for All
The coalition is also calling for the government to work towards an “essential guarantee” system, which would ensure individuals receive adequate benefits to cover fundamental needs such as food, heat, and clothing. This commitment is seen as essential for fostering a supportive environment for children and families facing economic hardship.
