Seven Urgent Actions Andy Burnham Must Take to Tackle the Child Poverty Crisis

Child poverty remains one of the gravest social issues in the UK, and it demands immediate, decisive action—especially from leaders like Andy Burnham who prioritize children’s welfare. The statistics are stark: nearly half of all children in Birmingham live in poverty, and across the UK, children are the age group most likely to be below the poverty line.

In fact, poverty hits younger children the hardest. Government data reveals that around 4.5 million children—31% of all children—live in poverty. This percentage rises dramatically to 43% for children in lone-parent households, contrasting with the 16% poverty rate among pensioners. These numbers underscore the urgent need to act.

Here are seven key measures Andy Burnham should implement immediately to improve outcomes for young people:

Set a Statutory Child Poverty Reduction Target
A legally binding target to halve child poverty within five years, backed by annual progress reports to Parliament, would ensure accountability at the highest levels of government.
Expand Free School Meals
Extend free school meals to children in low-income working families as well as those receiving Universal Credit, guaranteeing all children access to nutritious food during the school day.
Implement a ‘Children First’ Budget Test
Require every government budget to include an independent assessment of how policies impact children, especially those living in poverty, to prioritize their wellbeing in policy decisions.
Introduce Food Programs During School Holidays
Many children miss out on regular meals during holidays. Providing food programs during these periods is essential to prevent hunger and support families in need.
Create a Child Opportunity Fund
Establish a fund to support children from low-income households, covering activities like music lessons, sports clubs, school trips, books, and digital equipment to give every child equal opportunities to thrive.
Revive Sure Start Centres
Re-establish physical Sure Start centres or similar facilities to provide families with accessible, trusted support for early years development and parenting help.
Guarantee Education or Employment for All Teens
Implement a Youth Guarantee ensuring every 16-18-year-old has access to education, training, apprenticeships, or paid work experience—preventing disconnection from education or the workforce.

Addressing child poverty head-on is essential. Improving the lives and futures of young people must be a top priority for any government—and especially for leaders like Andy Burnham who want lasting, positive change.