CIH responds to government’s Child Poverty Strategy announcement 

The government has announced a new strategy aimed at lifting around 550,000 children out of poverty by 2030, an ambition that CIH has welcomed.

Reversing the two-child benefit cap, from April, and providing wider support for families facing rising costs mark an important first step towards a social security system that protects children rather than pushes them into hardship. There are around 50,000 households with three or more children who are currently affected by the cap — at least 190,000 children.

It must be noted, however, that the benefit cap will continue to apply, so families who receive a high level of benefits may still have their total income capped even after the two-child limit is removed. Lifting the two-child benefit cap will also not benefit children whose parents have no recourse to public funds (NRPF).  

Tackling child poverty is a housing mission, so we particularly welcome the focus on families in temporary accommodation. Over 170,000 children in England are growing up without a permanent home, often in unsuitable conditions that harm their health, wellbeing and life chances.

Ending the unlawful use of B&Bs, investing in better temporary accommodation, and ensuring schools and health services are notified when children enter temporary accommodation are important policy changes that CIH has long called for. 

A safe, secure and affordable home is the foundation every child needs to thrive. Lasting change requires a bold, long-term housing strategy to dramatically increase the supply of genuinely affordable homes and prevent homelessness earlier through effective support, advice and partnership working. This must be accompanied by sufficient investment in local authority capacity to deliver statutory homelessness services. 

CIH stands ready to work with government, local authorities, housing providers and partners to turn today’s commitments into real change. To have full effect, this strategy must be supported by a cross-sector homelessness strategy, an updated fuel poverty strategy, and a new long-term housing strategy.