Child Poverty Strategy shows government has "put its money where its mouth is" - JRF

Responding to the publication of the government's Child Poverty Strategy, Katie Schmuecker, Principal Policy Adviser at the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, says: 

"This government has put its money where its mouth is on the manifesto commitment to reducing child poverty. It has shown its commitment to improving children's lives by abolishing the two-child limit in Universal Credit which will make an immediate and material difference to children in families who were at a much higher risk of hardship. It is the single most effective policy decision it could have taken to lift significant numbers of children out of poverty.  

"This government has also recognised the severe and acute poverty an alarming number of children are facing. These are children going without enough food, a warm home or their parents aren't able to keep up with bills. This child poverty strategy will mean fewer children facing this unacceptable hardship, but more will be needed to ensure every child gets the best start.

"The strategy rightly highlights the role childcare plays in tackling poverty as well as the terrible impact living in temporary accommodation has on children and families. Making childcare more accessible to families on Universal Credit and reducing the need for temporary accommodation, alongside boosting family incomes through our social security system, will mean more children have the healthy, happy childhood that all children deserve."