6 MARCH 2024, LONDON –  Becca Lyon, head of UK child poverty at Save the Children, said:

“The Chancellor is leaving the poorest families out in the cold with his Spring Statement. The 4.2 million children living in poverty, one million of whom are destitute, continues to be a black mark for this Government. Benefit payments are at the lowest level in years and we fear threats of increased sanctions.

"While we warmly welcome the significant changes to child benefit and the extension of the Household Support Fund, more investment is needed in social security and the early years sector to support the country’s most vulnerable children. 

“Guaranteeing childcare rates is a good start and provides security for nurseries but the immediate roll out of expanded free hours is still in jeopardy and needs further investment.” 

ENDS

For media enquiries contact Rhian Lubin - r.lubin@savethechildren.org.uk