In the UK, an estimated 14.5 million people are living in poverty, which represents 22% of the population.  Of these, 4.3 million are children. According to the Joseph Rowntree Foundation (2022), for the last 25 years, children have been the demographic most affected by poverty.

A 2022 report by the Resolution Foundation, suggests that the poorest quarter of households are set to see their incomes fall by 6%.  This means that a further 1.3 million people will fall into absolute poverty, including 500,000 children, marking a significant decline in wealth for a proportion of the UK compared to 10 years ago. Furthermore, child poverty disproportionately affects Black and minority ethnic children, with 46% now in poverty compared to 26% of white British children.  Moreover, single parents and single pensioners are also demographics that are significantly affected.

In June 2022, over 1.9 million children are eligible for free school meals, an increase of 9% from 2021. Only 26.6% of children eligible for Free School Meals receive five good GCSEs, including English and mathematics, compared with 54.2% of non-free school meals pupils, giving them significantly poorer life chances into adulthood. Child poverty is estimated to cost the economy £13 billion annually and cost the public sector £12 billion annually. 

Join the Tackling Child Poverty event, where local and central government, public sector and voluntary sector agencies will discuss pertinent issues regarding addressing child poverty. Our comprehensive discussions will cover various issues, such as food poverty, social engagement, education, and health.