Particle.news
Download on the App Store
6 ARTICLES
·
2w ago

Lord John Bird Pushes for Legally Binding Child Poverty Targets in UK Law

Amendment to Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill gains momentum as record child poverty figures and public discontent put pressure on Labour and the government.

Image
Lord John Bird, photographed for the Big Issue in 2024.
Image

Overview

  • Lord John Bird has introduced an amendment to the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill requiring the government to set statutory child poverty reduction targets.
  • The amendment, backed by the National Children’s Bureau and part of the Big Issue’s broader ‘Poverty Zero’ campaign, is under review in the House of Lords committee stage.
  • UK child poverty has reached a record high of 4.5 million children as of April 2024, with campaigners warning of further increases without significant policy changes.
  • A YouGov poll commissioned by the Big Issue found that 72% of Britons believe Labour should do more to tackle poverty, with dissatisfaction rising sharply in recent months.
  • The government defends its current measures, citing cross-departmental initiatives and increased funding for programs like breakfast clubs and pupil premium.