UK Child Poverty Reaches Record High of 4.45 Million, Prompting Calls for Urgent Reform

Government data reveals the highest child poverty rate since records began, with campaigners urging the removal of the two-child benefit limit.

The Department for Work and Pensions reported 4.45 million children living in poverty in the UK as of March 2024, the highest figure since 2002-2003.
This marks an increase of 115,000 children from the previous year, with households earning below 60% of the median income after housing costs classified as in poverty.
Campaigners and charities have described the figures as a 'national shame' and are pressuring the government to scrap the two-child benefit limit introduced in 2017.
Government impact assessments project that welfare reforms could push an additional 50,000 children into poverty by 2029/30.
While overall poverty rates in the UK have slightly declined, child poverty continues to rise, highlighting disparities in the impact of economic and welfare policies.