Child Poverty
Councils are addressing high child poverty rates, driven by housing costs, through new strategies and targeted support measures.
Southwark Council adopted a plan in September 2026 to combat the borough's high child poverty rates, which affect 43.3% of families after housing costs. Also in September 2026, Tower Hamlets' Anti-Poverty Rapid Needs Assessment revealed child poverty exceeds 50% after housing costs, with 84% of poor households being working households, highlighting housing as the biggest driver.
In July 2026, Newham councillors backed a feasibility assessment for universal free school meals for secondary pupils due to high child poverty. Haringey Council approved extending free school meal holiday vouchers until September 2026, investing £1.74 million to expand its Financial Support Team, and developing an online portal to simplify benefit claims.
Redbridge Council adopted an Anti-Poverty Strategy in March 2026, aiming for no deprived areas by 2040. Merton Council is developing a child poverty strategy, aligning with a national initiative from September 2025. No upcoming meetings with this topic on the agenda were supplied.
Key facts
- Southwark Council adopted a plan to combat child poverty, affecting 43.3% of families after housing costs, in September 2026. Source
- Child poverty in Tower Hamlets rises to over 50% after housing costs, with 84% of poor households being working households, as reported in September 2026. Source 1 Source 2 Source 3
- Newham councillors backed a feasibility assessment for universal free school meals for secondary pupils in July 2026. Source
- Haringey Council extended free school meal holiday vouchers until September 2026 and allocated £1.74 million to expand its Financial Support Team in July 2026. Source 1 Source 2 Source 3
- Redbridge Council adopted an Anti-Poverty Strategy in March 2026, aiming for no deprived areas by 2040. Source
About this summary
This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on, with background from Wikipedia. It describes what councils have discussed and decided; it does not take a view on any decision. Each key fact links to the story it comes from. Updated 30 September 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.