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Child poverty in the UK

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2024 child poverty statistics

According to the most basic definition, poverty is the lack of money and resources to fulfil basic needs. Every child deserves a fair chance at life and protection from all types of harm including poverty. Unfortunately, this is not a reality for millions of children in the UK.

Recent findings from our review of child poverty in high income countries including the UK has shown that child poverty levels in the UK are rising. More concerningly, child poverty levels have increased faster in the UK than in any other country investigated in the report.

The statistics paint a worrying picture. Despite the favourable economic conditions, the quality of life for children in the UK is declining.

  • The latest figures from 2021 show that Child poverty has increased in the UK by almost 20%.
  • The four local areas with the highest child poverty rates (after taking account of variations in housing costs) are all in urban areas.
  • Child income poverty rates among minority ethnic groups are more than twice as high as the rates for children defined as White British.
  • More children lived in poverty in 2021 than a decade earlier at the end of the recession (2008-2010).

What income is considered to be the poverty level in the UK?

The report uses relative income poverty as a measure of poverty. Families who earn less than 60% of the median income in the UK, or under £19,380 per year, are considered to be in poverty.

How to help children in poverty in the UK

Cash benefits, also known as cash transfers, are one of the most important ways to support children and families affected by poverty. We also call upon the government to invest in services that enrich children’s lives, including education, health and nutrition.

We are working tirelessly in the UK to tackle child poverty through several dedicated programmes, by:

  • Creating school environments where children can thrive and achieve their best potential. Through our Rights Respecting Schools Award, we work with schools in the UK to put children’s rights into practice.
  • Developing Child Friendly Cities. This programme puts children at the heart of local services, policy and planning. It encourages children to envision environments that nurture their wellbeing.
  • Implemeting the Baby Friendly Initiative. This initiative helps public services offer the best support to families feeding their children. The programme also ensures health workers have a strong foundation of knowledge needed to care for babies.

 

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