Early Moments Matter
Email your MP
Why are we campaigning?
Nearly 90% of parents with under fives are worried about their child’s future life chances.
A childās first months and years shape their whole life. But in the UK, we are leaving too many babies and young children behind ā stopping them from reaching their potential. The cost-of-living crisis has pushed more families into financial hardship. Children under five are more likely to be in poverty than any other age group, with lasting consequences for their health and development.Ā
Cuts to financial support for familiesĀ
Families with children have been hit the hardest by tax and benefit changes since 2010. The last Government imposed a two-child limit restricting Universal Credit and Child Tax Credit to the first two children in a family ā a policy which now affects 1 in 9 children. It also made cuts to other financial support targeted at babies and young children.Ā Ā Ā
Essential services in childhoodĀ Ā Ā
Essential early childhood services are crucial for a childās health and development. Yet right now these public services ā from midwifery and maternal mental health support to health visitors and childrenās centres ā arenāt reaching everyone they should. Families on low incomes, particularly, often miss out on support theyāre entitled to.
Childcare crisisĀ Ā
Affordable local childcare isnāt available for every child. Itās one of the biggest challenges facing families with young children, according to 60% of parents. This shortage means parents canāt increase their income through work, and children miss out on chances to play and learn with peers. It especially affects families on low incomes, who have fewer nurseries nearby and may not be eligible for Government-funded free hours.Ā
*Data collected May/June 2024 via YouGov panel, nationally representative sample of 2892 parents of children age four and under in GB (with 534 respondents from Scotland). Download full results here.Ā
What are we calling for?
In June, we handed in our petition with 105,781 signatures, calling for the UK Government to invest in early childhood. Restoring investment in early years health and education services and financial support for families will help ensure all children get the best start in life.Ā Ā
The next chance for major change is the governmentās Child Poverty Strategy, expected this autumn. Email your MP today to join us in calling for the strategy to include ending the two-child limit on benefits. This crucial step would lift 350,000 children out of poverty overnight.Ā
Understanding the two-child limit on benefits
A policy which affects children born after April 2017, who have two or more older siblings, in families supported by social security. Each affected child loses out on Ā£3,514 a year in financial support through Universal Credit.
It affects low-income families, who are often left unable to make ends meet. Families can be eligible for Universal Credit for many reasons ā such as low wages, a parent having a disability, or a parent being unable to work while caring for a young child. In most affected families, one or both parents are working.Ā
By limiting family incomes, this controversial policy is a major cause of rising child poverty in the UK – pulling 109 children into poverty every day. It particularly is linked to rising poverty levels for young children and for children in larger families.Ā
