Gordon Brown is set to address the issue of child poverty in the UK, labeling it a “shameful epidemic.” The former Labour Prime Minister will emphasize the significant social division caused by child poverty and its detrimental impact on the country’s economy. With approximately 4.5 million children living in poverty, experts are sounding alarms that this number may rise without immediate government intervention.
Brown will stress that the escalating child poverty crisis poses a threat to the nation’s future economic stability due to the failure to adequately prepare young individuals for the workforce. He has advocated for the removal of the two-child benefit limit, a policy criticized for perpetuating child poverty. Politicians like Keir Starmer and Chancellor Rachel Reeves are contemplating revising or abolishing this austerity measure as part of a comprehensive review on child poverty.
Recent projections from the Resolution Foundation indicate that child poverty rates could reach a historic high of 34%, affecting around 4.8 million children by the end of the decade if swift action is not taken. Even partial measures, such as transitioning to a three-child limit, would still result in increased child poverty rates by the decade’s conclusion, according to the think-tank.
Brown supports the complete removal of the two-child benefit limit and is likely to exert more pressure on the Chancellor to address this issue in the upcoming Budget. On the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the Child Poverty Action Group, Brown will advocate for lifting 500,000 children out of poverty as an achievable goal.
New research highlighted by Brown reveals widespread public support for combating child poverty. Polling by the 38 Degrees campaign group shows that 64% of voters endorse imposing higher taxes on gambling companies to fund initiatives targeting child poverty alleviation. The proposal, backed by Brown, suggests that up to £3.2 billion could be generated to eliminate the two-child benefit limit.
Brown is expected to propose the establishment of a permanent cross-party anti-poverty alliance comprising charities, foundations, businesses, and faith groups to collaborate with governments across the UK to address the escalating child poverty crisis. He emphasizes the urgent need to lift half a million children out of poverty by next year and effectively combat the country’s alarming child poverty levels.
The government is anticipated to release the findings of its child poverty review shortly, focusing on issues like the two-child benefit limit. Efforts to support children in primary schools, including expanding free school meals and introducing new breakfast clubs, have also been highlighted as essential measures to assist children in need.