The government is actively working to combat child poverty by expanding initiatives such as taxpayer-funded childcare, free school meals, and breakfast clubs, while also considering reforms to benefits policies, including the two-child limit.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson expressed shame over the high levels of child poverty and indicated that the government plans to review social security measures as part of its upcoming child poverty strategy scheduled for release this autumn.

Industry voices argue that increased gambling taxes could negatively impact the economy and the industry’s contribution, emphasizing the need for careful consideration of funding measures.

Faith leaders, including Archbishop Cottrell and a coalition of 38 religious figures, have criticized the government for failing to address child poverty adequately and are urging the removal of the two-child limit, which they see as morally and economically unjustifiable.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has expressed shame over the high levels of child poverty and announced that the government is considering social security reforms as part of the new child poverty strategy, set to be released in autumn 2025.

The delay in publishing the government’s child poverty strategy has been criticized as frustrating and shameful, especially given that charities estimate over 100 children are pushed into poverty daily, with the two-child limit being a significant factor.

A coalition of faith leaders, including Archbishop Stephen Cottrell, criticized current measures and called for the government to scrap the two-child limit, citing moral and economic reasons, and emphasizing that ending this policy would be the most cost-effective way to reduce child poverty.

The government has committed to a £500 million investment in children’s development, including extending free school meals and providing a £1 billion crisis support package to prevent children from going hungry during holidays.

Opposition from the Betting and Gaming Council against increased gambling taxes highlights concerns that such measures could harm the economy and lead to increased illegal betting, countering claims that higher taxes would fund poverty alleviation efforts.

Removing the two-child cap and benefits cap, which restrict support to households, is estimated to cost around £3.3 billion, and the government is reviewing these policies as part of its efforts to reduce child poverty.