There are 4 million children in poverty in the year April 2024 to March 2025 (2024/25) new DWP statistics show. Today’s Households Below Average Income (HBAI) reports 4 million children – 27% – were in poverty in 2024/25. The two-child limit was in place in this period and will be removed from April 2026.
New official government data published today confirms child poverty is falling in Scotland. The number of children in poverty in Scotland fell from 25% between 2020-2023 to 21% in 2022 to 2025. Across the UK as a whole 27% of children were still living in poverty in 2024/25.
Universal credit (UC) is fundamental to the health and wellbeing of millions of children. More than two in five children in the UK live in a household that claims UC. CPAG welcomes the UC review, which is the first system-wide review since the benefit was introduced in 2013. There are many issues to consider including system design, policy decisions and delivery.
An independent evaluation of our work on education in Wales from 2023 to 2025 highlights its impact on children and schools. | Mae gwerthusiad annibynnol o'n gwaith ar addysg yng Nghymru rhwng 2023 a 2025 yn tynnu sylw at ei effaith ar blant ac ysgolion.
New child poverty statistics (for 2024/25) will be published on 26 March. There will be three key changes to the poverty statistics, outlined in this briefing.
Young people from the Cost of the School Day Voice network held a special event at the Scottish Parliament to share vital calls from their ‘School Shouldn’t Cost: The Young People’s Poverty and Education Manifesto 2026-31 to MSPs.
For many, the experience of receiving support from our social security system is stigmatising. It leaves us feeling ashamed, undeserving and stuck. Turn2us has launched a campaign to address this, with the aim of making sure the system is there for all of us when we need it and treats us all with dignity and respect. What does the evidence show is causing stigma, and what needs to change as a result?
We welcome the government’s focus on pathways for young people. Many are currently unable to access and participate in learning opportunities and move into quality work, despite their willingness. We know from our work that young people are ambitious and want to develop fulfilling careers. However, there are a range of structural factors that are often working against them and for those who grow up in poverty and/or continue to live in low-income households, the barriers are significant.
65 organisations have come together to commend the government for making the choice to scrap the two-child limit and ask all MPs to stand with children and support this Bill.
As the Bill to scrap the two-child limit gets its second reading in Parliament today, 63 organisations - including those representing children’s doctors, teachers, health visitors and anti-poverty charities - have published a statement urging MPs to vote for ending the policy.
