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The government has announced a commitment to end the practice of children living in bed and breakfast (B&B) accommodations and to improve access to childcare for families receiving Universal Credit. These initiatives are key components of its broader strategy aimed at reducing child poverty. According to official statements, the reforms are expected to lift approximately 550,000 children out of poverty by 2030, which would represent the largest drop in child poverty recorded in a single parliamentary term.
Despite these ambitious goals, experts such as those from the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) caution that there remains significant uncertainty around the actual impact these policies will achieve, partly due to unpredictable economic factors. Charities that focus on homelessness have expressed conditional support for the plans, urging even more comprehensive measures to tackle poverty at its roots. The government highlights that child poverty currently affects about 4.5 million children—nearly one third of all children—after housing costs are taken into account. Notably, three-quarters of those affected live in families where at least one member is working.
In England alone, over 172,000 children are reported to live in temporary housing, often in unsuitable conditions. The government’s new measures seek to end the “unlawful placement” of families with children in B&Bs for extended periods, specifically beyond six weeks, which is the legal maximum. Recent data revealed that more than 2,000 children experienced stays in B&Bs that exceeded this limit. The government acknowledges the severe consequences of such living arrangements, which can cause harm to children’s physical and mental health, disrupt education, and fracture family life. James Cassidy, headteacher of Eton Park Junior Academy, described seeing more pupils appear tired and anxious, attributing these challenges to the difficulties many families face in securing steady employment and coping with the rising cost of living.
To better support children living in temporary accommodation, the government plans to require councils to inform schools, health visitors, and GPs when children are placed in such housing. This approach aims to coordinate care and support more effectively. An ongoing £8 million pilot program designed to reduce reliance on B&Bs in the 20 local authorities with the highest use will continue for the next three years. Additionally, the government intends to build 5,000 new homes intended to serve as suitable temporary accommodation by 2030. While children’s advocate Dame Rachel de Souza welcomed the focus on improving living conditions, charities like Shelter emphasized the need for accelerated action to move children into permanent homes and called for the restoration of housing benefits alongside increased social housing construction. Other voices, including the Health Foundation and Lord John Bird, founder of the Big Issue, argued that although progress has been made, the strategy requires more ambitious targets to address the underlying structural causes of poverty effectively.
The strategy also tackles the financial barriers families face when returning to work, especially concerning the upfront costs of childcare. The government has promised to extend eligibility for help with these costs starting next year, including to parents coming back from parental leave, which it believes will ease the transition for many Universal Credit recipients. Additional measures aim to assist parents in saving money, including on essentials such as baby formula. While these initiatives have been praised for their potential, some education leaders, including Pepe Di’Iasio of the Association of School and College Leaders, argue that a more comprehensive, cross-government response with greater investment is necessary to achieve lasting change
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