Researchers warn that 36 per cent of children living in UK families with a child under-five are now living in poverty – this amounts to 2.2 million children and is up from 30 per cent in 2013/14.
An evidence review published by the Nuffield Foundation (Oppenheim & Milton, 2021) examines patterns in poverty for the under-fives over the last 20 years.
It finds that while poverty rates have fluctuated since 2000, there has been “a sustained increase” since 2013/14 largely as a result of changes to the benefits system, including the “two-child limit” (which restricts the child element of social security benefits) and the reduction of in-work support. Also to blame are the rise in insecure work and the growth of the private rental market (and reduced availability of social housing).
Register now, read forever
Thank you for visiting Headteacher Update and reading some of our content for professionals in primary education. Register now for free to get unlimited access to all content.
What's included:
-
Unlimited access to news, best practice articles and podcasts
-
New content and e-bulletins delivered straight to your inbox every Monday
Already have an account? Sign in here