Child Poverty Taskforce meets for first time

The government's Child Poverty Taskforce has met for the first time to begin work on publishing a strategy in the spring.

The deputy prime ,inister, chief secretary to the treasury, and ministers for the devolved nations have joined the Taskforce’s co-chairs, the work & pensions and education secretaries, to discuss the causes of child poverty.

There are 700,000 more children living in poverty than in 2010. There are now more than four million children growing up in a low income family.

The Taskforce aims to reduce child poverty by supporting households to increase their income including considering social security reforms that support people into work and alleviate poverty; helping to bring down essential household costs, build savings and tackle problem debt; an alleviating the negative experience of living in poverty, including through supporting families and the role of public services.

The Taskforce will also hear from struggling families and children, front-line staff and leading campaigners, charities and organisations.

It will be supported by a new Child Poverty Unit in the Cabinet Office, drawing together experts from within and outside government, to help co-ordinate the development of the strategy.

Work & pensions secretary Liz Kendall MP said: "Child poverty is a scar on our society. It harms children’s life chances and our country as a whole. That is why tackling child poverty is a top priority for this government.

"We will take action in every department, with a comprehensive strategy to drive down poverty and drive up opportunity, building a better future for us all.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson MP said: "Child poverty is a scar on our country, which holds back children’s lives and life chances at home, in school and across our communities.  

"The scale of the challenge cannot be overstated. That is why this taskforce, working across government, is essential to ensure all departments are supporting this ambition and delivering on our mission of breaking down the barriers to opportunity for every child."