Government analysis forecasts that 4.2 million children will still be living in relative low income by 2029, representing just a 10 per cent reduction from the current 4.7 million. Projections from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) indicate this figure for the final year of parliament.
Impact of Labour's Policy Changes
The assessment takes into account Labour's decision to end the two-child benefit limit, which is expected to lift between 400,000 and 500,000 children out of poverty by 2026/27. Despite this initial decrease, anti-poverty think tank Joseph Rowntree Foundation projections suggest child poverty will largely flatline after 2026/27.
Criticism from Campaigners
While the government claims the cap removal and other measures will lift 550,000 children out of poverty, campaigners have criticised the lack of clear, ambitious targets for long-term reduction. This has sparked concerns about the effectiveness of current strategies in tackling the deep-rooted issue of child poverty across the UK.
The persistent high levels of child poverty highlight ongoing challenges in social welfare and economic inequality. Experts warn that without more robust interventions, millions of children could remain trapped in cycles of deprivation, affecting their health, education, and future opportunities.
