Starmer Launches Ministerial Taskforce to Fight Child Poverty
The Prime Minister has kicked off a new ministerial taskforce to tackle soaring child poverty. The Work & Pensions Secretary and Education Secretary will co-lead efforts to deliver a bold Child Poverty Strategy.
Top Ministers Lead Urgent Drive Against Rising Child Poverty
- Taskforce set to hit the ground running on ending child poverty
- Led jointly by Work & Pensions Secretary and Education Secretary
- Follow-up to talks with leading charities and campaigners
A dedicated Child Poverty Unit within the Cabinet Office has also been set up. It will bring together government experts and outside advisers to craft an ambitious plan using all government levers — from household income and employment to housing, health, childcare, and education.
Ministers from across government will join the taskforce’s first meeting in the coming weeks to coordinate action.
Starmer: No More Children Left Behind
“For too long children have been left behind, and no decisive action has been taken to address the root causes of poverty. This is completely unacceptable – no child should be left hungry, cold or have their future held back,” said Starmer.
“That’s why we’re prioritising work on an ambitious child poverty strategy and my ministers will leave no stone unturned to give every child the very best start at life.”
Charity Leaders Consulted as Taskforce Begins Work
Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall met with key organisations today, including Save the Children, Action for Children, Barnardo’s, the TUC, End Child Poverty Coalition, Resolution Foundation, and UNICEF. She sought their input on shaping the strategy.
“Too many children are growing up in poverty, blighting their lives now and damaging their future prospects,” said Kendall.
“Developing an ambitious strategy to tackle the problem is vital and urgent work which starts today.”
“We will turn the tide on rising poverty levels, so every child, no matter where they come from, has the best start in life.”
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson added:
“Tackling child poverty is at the heart of breaking down barriers to opportunity and improving life chances for every child.”
“Living in poverty leaves too many children unready to learn and robbed of opportunity. But child poverty reaches far beyond the school gates.”
“Alongside the Work and Pensions Secretary, I am determined to support families and communities.”
“This is a shared mission across government. Our Taskforce will work closely with parents, charities and civil organisations to remove the stain of child poverty from our country.”
Child Poverty Hits Record High Since 2010
Since 2010, child poverty has risen by 700,000, with over four million children now growing up in low-income families. The crisis damages childhoods and future prospects, dragging down the UK’s economic potential.
The government vows to deliver an ambitious strategy to reduce child poverty, tackle its root causes, and give every child the best start in life.
Ministers pledge ongoing engagement with charities, campaigners, and experts as they develop this critical new plan.
