23 March, 2023, LONDON - New statistics today show that 4.2 million children across the UK were living in poverty last year, meaning that 300,000 more kids were in poverty than during the pandemic. And 800,000 children live in a household that used a foodbank in 2022.  

Becca Lyon, head of child poverty at Save the Children UK, said: “These grim figures coupled with inflation rising to 10.4%, as the price of children’s clothes and food continue to soar, prove families are still very much in the depths of a crisis.

“There is no reason why children in this country should have to go hungry or do without clothing, heating, days out, or basic school supplies. Growing up in poverty means growing up too fast – with kids exposed to concerns about money and bills. This can leave lasting scars. Families need a proper benefits system that protects them from hardship, and means children can grow up without having to know what the inside of a food bank looks like.”

ENDS

We have spokespeople available. Contact r.lubin@savethechildren.org.uk for more information.