London, December 09, 2025
The UK Government has launched its Child Poverty Strategy 2025, aiming to reduce child poverty by lifting around 550,000 children out of poverty by 2030 through reforms to social security, childcare support, and cost-of-living measures across the United Kingdom.
Key Commitments of the Strategy
The ambitious 10-year plan prominently ends the two-child benefit limit for families receiving Universal Credit, a significant policy change designed to increase financial support for larger families. Additionally, the government expands Universal Credit’s childcare cost support to cover all children rather than restricting support to two. Measures to reduce the cost of living for families and bolster family incomes through social security reforms and employment support are central pillars of the strategy.
Development and Stakeholder Engagement
The Child Poverty Taskforce, convened by the Cabinet Office in July 2024, spearheaded development of the strategy by actively consulting with families affected by poverty and key stakeholders. The taskforce emphasized addressing structural causes of poverty along with immediate relief measures by strengthening local support services and improving access to assistance where families reside.
Criticisms and Remaining Challenges
Despite the strategy’s forward steps, several gaps have drawn scrutiny from advocacy groups and experts. Notably, the government has opted not to amend the existing benefits cap or the Universal Credit’s five-week waiting period, both factors linked to exacerbating child poverty risks. Furthermore, the strategy fails to offer sufficient support for families and children with No Recourse to Public Funds status, including certain asylum seekers, leaving these vulnerable groups exposed to heightened poverty risk.
Implications for Policy and Society
This strategy signals a major government commitment to addressing child poverty with a multifaceted approach combining income reforms and service enhancements. However, the absence of modifications to key benefit constraints highlights ongoing debates about the sufficiency and inclusiveness of current social protection frameworks. For policymakers, business leaders, and social service providers, the plan outlines critical areas for coordinated action and resource allocation to meet the ambitious targets set for 2030.
As the UK moves forward, balancing immediate financial relief with structural reforms will be essential to sustainably reduce child poverty and support vulnerable families across the country.