Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Child Poverty

Monday 7 February 2022 · 8 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 8 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Minister assessed that work is the best route out of poverty, emphasizing full-time employment for parents.
  • Extra support through the household support fund is available in various areas, including Lambeth and South Tyneside.
  • The Minister highlighted initiatives such as the kickstart scheme and childcare support to help parents, especially in Staffordshire, move into full-time work.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Kate Osborne Lab Jarrow and Gateshead East
Children & Families
Context

The Joseph Rowntree Foundation's report found child poverty in families with more than two children increased from 33% to 47% between 2012-13 and 2019-20.

Question

What assessment has the Minister made of the reasons for the finding in the Joseph Rowntree Foundation's “UK Poverty 2022” report that child poverty in families with more than two children increased from 33% to 47% between 2012-13 and 2019-20?

Answer from David Rutley

We have long championed the principle that work is the best route out of poverty, based on clear evidence of the importance of parental employment, particularly where it is full time, in substantially reducing the risk of poverty. In 2020-21, there were more children living in a home where at least one person was working, with nearly 580,000 fewer children living in workless households than in 2010.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Minister did not address the specific assessment requested about the increase in child poverty from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation's report.

How: Focus On General Principle Without Specifics

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Q2 Helen Hayes Lab Dulwich and West Norwood
Children & Families
Context

The Joseph Rowntree Foundation reports that child poverty in families with more than two children has risen to levels not seen since before 1997, disproportionately affecting these families.

Question

Does the Minister believe it is acceptable for children to suffer more just because of the number of siblings they have? If not, what will he do to ensure all families with children have support at this difficult time?

Answer from David Rutley

Our key priority is getting parents into work and helping them progress in their careers. Extra support is available through the household support fund, with £2.7 million allocated for Lambeth.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Minister did not address whether he believes it's acceptable for children to suffer more due to sibling numbers.

How: Focus On Employment And General Support

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Q3 Kate Osborne Lab Jarrow and Gateshead East
Economy Children & Families
Context

The End Child Poverty coalition reports that many of the UK parliamentary constituencies seeing highest increase in child poverty are in the north-east of England.

Question

What is the Minister doing to tackle child poverty, specifically in the north-east?

Answer from David Rutley

Our priority at a time of record vacancies is encouraging people into work. The levelling-up White Paper highlights opportunities for the north-east, and £1.4 million is available through the household support fund in South Tyneside.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Minister did not specify any actions to address child poverty specifically.

How: Focus On Employment Opportunities

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Q4 Ellie Reeves Lab Lewisham West and East Dulwich
Children & Families
Context

In Lewisham, 39% of children are growing up in poverty with over 14,000 families on universal credit. The Government has cut universal credit by £1,000 a year and is further cutting support.

Question

How fair is it that lone parents will be £300 worse off, leading to more children living in poverty?

Answer from David Rutley

We support lone parents into work and help them access opportunities. Lewisham has £2.6 million available through the household support fund.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Minister did not address whether it is fair or unfair for lone parents to be worse off due to cuts.

How: Focus On Employment Opportunities

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Q5 Diana R. Johnson Lab Kingston upon Hull North and Cottingham
Employment Children & Families
Context

Approximately 500,000 children in England do not have a bed to sleep in tonight.

Question

Why do 500,000 children in England lack a bed?

Answer from David Rutley

We aim to tackle child poverty through work. Helping more people get into full-time employment means they can stand on their own two feet and look after their children.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Minister did not address why 500,000 children lack a bed.

How: Focus On Work

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Q6 Theo Clarke
Employment Children & Families
Context

The chance that a child will grow up in poverty falls when both their parents are in full-time work.

Question

What initiatives are we implementing to help more parents, particularly those in Staffordshire, into full-time work?

Answer from David Rutley

Our plan for jobs includes kickstart for the young, SWAPs, restart, and childcare support. We spend about £6 billion a year on childcare.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Minister did not specify specific initiatives for Staffordshire.

How: Focus On General Initiatives

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Q7 Bob Blackman Con Harrow East
Children & Families
Context

By lowering the taper on universal credit, we are enabling people to get into work and retain their benefits.

Question

Does the Minister agree that this combination encourages people to work and earn their own living?

Answer from David Rutley

I strongly agree. The Way to Work provides incentives for those getting closer to job readiness to move into a job and advance their career.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Minister did not address whether these measures reduce child poverty specifically.

How: Focus On Agreement

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Q8 Karen Buck Lab
Benefits & Welfare Children & Families
Context

The real-terms value of child benefit fell by 16% between April 2010 and April 2021.

Question

How many fewer families would now be in poverty if child benefit had been uprated consistently with inflation?

Answer from David Rutley

Questions on child benefit are for the Treasury. We work to improve universal credit taper and work allowance, providing greater financial security.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Minister did not address how many fewer families would be in poverty if child benefit was uprated.

How: Redirects To Treasury

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