Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Child Poverty

Thursday 16 April 2026 · 3 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 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • James Asser asked the Minister about steps the Church of England is taking to help tackle child poverty.
  • The Minister responded that the Church works to develop local churches and interfaith networks, encouraging collaboration among faith communities to support local communities.
  • Jim Shannon inquired if there are plans for specialised youth clubs during summer holidays to provide a safe, welcoming place for young people at an affordable cost.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 James Asser Lab West Ham and Beckton
Children & Families Religion & Faith
Context

Child poverty is a significant issue in the east London constituency, affecting thousands of children. Faith and community organizations play crucial roles in providing support.

Question

What steps the Church of England is taking to help tackle child poverty? Child poverty is a major concern in my east London constituency, and faith and community organisations play an incredibly important part in providing support. While my constituency is very much multi-faith, the Church continues to play a hugely important part through its churches, schools, community facilities and experience.

Answer from Marsha de Cordova

The Church works continuously to develop local churches together and interfaith networks, encouraging all faith communities to work collaboratively to support local communities, and building support and strong networks. A good example of that is Church schools in my hon. Friend's constituency, which are community schools offering opportunities to thousands of children each day through their vision for education.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask about summer holiday youth clubs was not addressed.

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Q2 James Asser Lab West Ham and Beckton
Children & Families Religion & Faith
Context

Child poverty is a major concern, with faith and community organizations playing vital roles. In particular, the Church continues to play a significant part through its churches, schools, community facilities.

Question

Can my hon. Friend assure me that the Church will continue to work across faiths, and with community and charity organisations, to make sure that that network of support remains strong?

Answer from Marsha de Cordova

The Church works continuously to develop local churches together and interfaith networks, encouraging all faith communities to work collaboratively to support local communities. A good example of that is Church schools in my hon. Friend's constituency, which are community schools offering opportunities to thousands of children each day through their vision for education.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask about summer holiday youth clubs was not addressed.

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Q3 Jim Shannon DUP Strangford
Children & Families
Context

St Mark's parish church in Newtownards runs various programmes to tackle child poverty, but volunteers take a break in the summer. Parents need affordable and safe places for their children.

Question

Are there any plans for specialised youth clubs during the summer holidays to provide a safe, welcoming place for young people to meet that parents can afford to utilise?

Answer from Marsha de Cordova

I thank the hon. Gentleman for all his contributions at Church questions. I hope he does not mind if I write to update him on what takes place over the summer.

Not addressed: The specific ask about youth clubs was not addressed, and instead an offer to write a letter was given.

How: Promised Follow-Up Communication

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