May 2026
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This conference examined priorities moving forward for tackling child poverty in the UK, focusing on next steps following the publication of the Government’s Child Poverty Strategy and the practical implications of recent policy changes for families, services and local delivery.
It brought key stakeholders and policymakers together to discuss how national policy commitments can best be translated into effective action on the ground - including the removal of the two‑child benefit limit from April 2026, expansion of free school meal eligibility, and wider investment in early‑years and family support. Delegates considered implications for organisations involved in delivering services and support for families, and what further measures may be needed to reduce the drivers and impacts of child poverty.
Discussion was also expected on early findings emerging from the joint House of Commons Education and Work and Pensions Committees inquiry Realising potential: Delivering the Child Poverty Strategy, including questions around social security reform, implementation of national commitments through local services, and expectations for monitoring and accountability as the strategy moves into delivery.
Implementation & delivery
Attendees considered practical approaches to how the strategy can be implemented, focusing on the way forward for coordinated work across local government, education, health and community services - including priorities for Best Start Family Hubs, integrated care systems and wider multi‑agency partnerships. We expected discussion on actionable strategies for strengthening local capacity to address child poverty, and addressing varying levels of provision and resources across regions.
Housing standards, homelessness & prevention
Approaches to tackling housing insecurity and homelessness were examined, with these being highlighted as key factors influencing child poverty and family stability. We expected delegates to consider practicalities of advancing approaches being proposed by stakeholders for reducing reliance on temporary accommodation - including earlier homelessness prevention work, coordinated housing and support services for families, and local strategies aimed at moving households more quickly into stable and affordable homes.
Further areas for discussion included implementation of measures such as Awaab’s Law, the transition towards the Decent Homes Standard and investment through the Social and Affordable Homes Programme and Local Authority Housing Fund. Sessions also assessed priorities for improvements in housing quality, safety and energy efficiency - including through the Warm Homes Plan - that can make the most positive impacts on outcomes for children and families.
Support for health & early years
Further sessions assessed priorities for strengthening health‑based and early‑years support aimed at mitigating the wider impacts of child poverty. Delegates considered emerging evidence linking low income with poorer childhood health outcomes, alongside discussion on practical approaches for strengthening coordination between health services, early years providers and local support programmes - including integrated family support models, earlier referral pathways, and closer alignment between health visiting, early years provision and community-based services.
Discussion was also expected on the role of health visiting, early intervention services and integrated family support in addressing developmental delays and preventing longer‑term disadvantage. Attendees examined how services can work together to support families earlier and reduce the risk of problems escalating over time.
Support for parents & carers
Sessions also examined priorities for supporting parents and carers, particularly in relation to employment, childcare access and financial resilience. Delegates assessed the impact of labour market reforms, including provisions in the Employment Rights Act 2025, alongside wider measures intended to strengthen job security and support parental participation in the workforce.
Further discussion was expected on access to affordable childcare and early‑years provision, including the effectiveness of the 30 hours funded childcare offer and proposals to expand local family support services through Best Start Family Hubs. Attendees considered what may be required to ensure equitable access to childcare provision and sustainable delivery across different regions.
Delegates also examined options for strengthening financial resilience for families facing cost‑of‑living pressures, including the role of social security policy, employment support and local initiatives such as the Crisis and Resilience Fund.
Support in schools & community spaces
The agenda examined the role of schools and community settings in mitigating the effects of poverty on children’s development and participation. Delegates considered implications of measures in the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill and the Every child achieving and thriving White Paper, including expectations for safeguarding, support for pupils’ wellbeing and access to learning.
Further discussion was expected on practical issues surrounding the rollout of expanded free school meals, breakfast clubs and youth provision, and the role of schools, youth services and community organisations in supporting participation and attainment. Attendees also assessed implications of SEND reform for access to Education, Health and Care Plans and wider support provision.
Wider alignment with the National Youth Strategy was also considered, including the contribution of youth spaces, extracurricular activity and health‑based support to longer‑term outcomes such as participation in education, training and employment.
Impact of national policy on local approaches
The agenda also examined the interaction of wider policy developments with the strategy at a local level, such as local government reorganisation and measures in the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill currently progressing through Parliament. Implications were considered for governance, coordination and long‑term planning where responsibilities for tackling poverty span multiple services and levels of government.
Oversight, accountability & assessing outcomes
Effective oversight and accountability mechanisms were also discussed. Delegates looked at options for monitoring progress against the strategy, including the potential role of statutory targets, shared outcome measures and independent oversight arrangements.
Discussion also reflected concerns raised by some stakeholders about the absence of legally binding poverty reduction targets and the implications this may have for measuring progress over time. Sessions examined priorities for ensuring transparency, reliable reporting and effective coordination between national government, local authorities and delivery partners.
Further discussion looked at approaches to monitoring progress and evaluating outcomes. Attendees looked at best practice for the use of indicators such as household income data, measures of financial vulnerability and wider social outcomes to assess the effectiveness of programmes and support longer‑term policy development.
As well as key stakeholders those attending included parliamentary pass-holders from the House of Commons and officials from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government; Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs; Department for Education; Department of Education, NI; Department of Health and Social Care; Department for Communities, NI; Care Quality Commission; National Audit Office; Ofsted; Ofcom; the Welsh Government; and The Scottish Government.
