In a significant step towards tackling child poverty across the UK, the newly formed Child Poverty Taskforce held its first meeting with regional leaders on Thursday, September 19, 2024. The gathering brought together key figures from some of the most affected areas to share their experiences and explore innovative solutions to combat the issue.

The meeting was co-chaired by Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall and Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson. Among the attendees were representatives from areas with high child poverty rates, including North East Mayor Kim McGuinness, where nearly one in three children live in poverty.

Mayor McGuinness shared insights from the North East Child Poverty Reduction Unit, the first of its kind in the UK. The unit has introduced measures like grants to assist parents with childcare costs and placing welfare advisors in schools. These efforts have already yielded significant results, saving £2.3 million for 730 vulnerable families.

Other notable attendees included Louise Gittins, Chair of the Local Government Association, Andy Smith, President of the Association of Directors of Children’s Services, and Fred Rattley from the Church of England and Thrive Together Birmingham. The group discussed strategies to collaborate with local authorities and other bodies to develop innovative solutions to child poverty.

Liz Kendall reaffirmed the government’s commitment, stating, "This government will not rest until we have driven down child poverty in every part of our country, using all the levers at our disposal." She emphasized the importance of incorporating local leaders’ experiences to deliver necessary changes.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson highlighted the severe impact of poverty on children’s lives, underscoring the critical nature of this work in improving life chances for every child. The government’s plan, which includes rolling out free breakfast clubs in primary schools, creating 3,000 additional nurseries, and other measures, is aimed at transforming the issue of child poverty into a real living wage solution.

The task force plans to continue engaging with local leaders and experts to refine its approach and implement bold measures to reduce child poverty across the UK.