New taskforce to tackle child poverty

The government is putting together a taskforce to tackle the alarming rates of child poverty across the country.

The child poverty taskforce will hear directly from struggling families and children, front-line staff and leading campaigners, charities and organisations. Using personal experiences from those close to the issue, the government say they will create a strategy to address the “wide-ranging and deep-rooted” causes of child poverty.

There are 700,000 more kids living in poverty than in 2010, figures show.

It’s an increasing problem and a “top priority” for the government, with over four million kids now growing up in a low-income family.

How will the taskforce reduce child poverty?

The government say their taskforce will:

• help households to increase their income, including supporting people into work with benefits
• bring down essential household costs
• help families build savings and tackle problem debt
• use public services to support families and reduce the stigma of living in poverty

They also want to improve children’s lives and opportunities by looking at:

• employment
• housing
• health
• childcare
• education

Other promises

The government have said they will help children and their families through free breakfast clubs at all primary schools, the creation of more nurseries and higher minimum wages.

While these are small steps towards making children’s lives better, a quarter of a million children could be immediately lifted out of poverty if the two-child cap on benefits were abolished. That’s why we’re calling for the government to scrap the cap.

Support for parents

It can be hard to make ends meet, especially if you have children. Don’t struggle alone – you might be able to get help.

Food banks

If you’re struggling to afford groceries, you may be able to be referred for help from a food bank. Your local food bank will be able to tell you who can make a referral in your area.

Your council

In England, every council has been given some money through the household support fund to help those worst affected by the cost-of-living crisis. You can apply for help until 30 September – contact your local authority to find out what support is available.

Energy suppliers

If you’ve fallen behind on your energy bills, your supplier might be able to help. Most of them have financial support schemes to help those who are really struggling.

Do you need money help?

If you’re finding it hard to cover your bills and essentials, it might be time to ask for help.

We give advice online or you can give us a ring. We can help get you get back on track by creating a realistic budget, checking you’re getting all the benefits you’re entitled to or talking you through some debt solutions that might be suitable for you.

All our advice is free. Some debt solutions are free and others have a fee.

There’s lots of useful information on our website too.