Widespread public support for government action to reduce child poverty, new research shows

  • Broad alignment across income, class, and voter intention 

Research published today shows there is overwhelming public support for government to take action on child poverty. In polling undertaken by Public First, 89% of those asked agreed that no child in the UK should live in poverty and 74% agreed that national government has a role to play in reducing child poverty. 

There was strong alignment of views across the public, in particular between core Labour voters and those who previously voted Labour but would consider voting Reform, Lib Dem or Green, in favour of government support for family life and investment in children, along with concern about the cost of living on children and families. Across the public:

  • 73% agree that all children deserve a good childhood, even if it costs the government more to support families that need it
  • 71% agree that children should be a priority for government investment because they are the future of the country
  • 83% agree the best thing a parent can do is spend time with their children
  • 79% say the rising cost of living has made it more difficult for parents to support their children-

Other poll findings include:

  • 76% of Labour voters, and 76% of Labour voters considering a vote for Reform, agree that “Low benefit levels for families with children means children have unequal opportunities” – compared to 57% of those who would vote Reform as a whole.
  • 72% of Labour voters, and 73% of Labour voters considering a vote for Reform, agree that “Reversing benefit cuts for families with children will lift many low-income families out of poverty” – compared to 50% of those who would vote Reform.
  • 86% of Labour voters, and 82% of Labour voters considering a vote for Reform, agree that “The gap between the poorest and richest families in the UK is too large” – compared to 70% of those who would vote Reform.
  • The polling also finds close alignment on these questions between core Labour voters and Labour voters considering voting for the Greens and the Liberal Democrats.

The poll also found that less than half those questioned (40%) would oppose removing the two-child limit. Scrapping the two-child limit would lift 350,000 children out of poverty and mean 700,000 children are closer to the poverty line (but still in poverty) It is the most cost-effective way to reduce child poverty. 

Ed Dorrell, Partner at Public First, said:

“On child poverty, it is too simplistic to say that Labour needs to choose between appealing to those tempted by Reform and those tempted by the Greens or Lib Dems. This polling shows that this is a false choice: potential switchers from Labour to Reform, the Greens and the Lib Dems are united in wanting to end child poverty, in thinking the Government has a role to play in this, and in thinking that reversing benefit cuts would help.

Reform voters are not all the same, and the voters Reform is attracting from Labour have very different values on poverty and welfare from Reform voters as a whole. Taking action on this is more likely to motivate them than alienate them – with the bonus that it also appeals to existing Labour voters and those tempted by other progressive parties. If Labour wants to win their lost voters back, making progress on child poverty is something to prioritise, not play down.”

The research was commissioned by Child Poverty Action Group, Save the Children, Barnardo’s and The Children’s Society in advance of publication of the government’s anticipated child poverty strategy. 

On behalf of the charities, Alison Garnham, Chief Executive of CPAG, said: 

“Almost a year after the election, the government’s manifesto commitment to tackle child poverty remains hugely popular. A child poverty strategy that increases living standards and improves life chances will make the crucial difference to children, their families, and the country alike. The public stands in support of the 4.5 million children in the UK living in poverty and now it’s time for government to act – starting by scrapping the two-child limit.”

Notes to editors

  1. Public First conducted a nationally representative poll of 2,008 adults for Child Poverty Action Group, Save the Children, Barnardo’s and The Children’s Society, from 11th-14th March 2025. Polling tables with key findings from this press release can be found here: https://www.publicfirst.co.uk/widespread-public-support-for-government-action-to-reduce-child-poverty-new-research-shows.html. Full polling tables are available for download at Public First’s website.  

  2. We define Labour voters considering a vote for Reform, for the Greens or for the Lib Dems as voters who voted Labour in 2024 and now rank themselves 5 or higher on a scale of 0-10 when asked “How likely would you be to consider voting for the following parties if a general election was called tomorrow?” In the chart below, we use the following categories:

    LabLab: voters who voted Labour in 2024 and still intend to vote Labour
    LabRef: voters who voted Labour in 2024 and are now open to voting Reform
    LabLibDem: voters who voted Labour in 2024 and are now open to voting Lib Dem
    LabGreen: voters who voted Labour in 2024 and are now open to voting Green
    Reform VI: all voters who currently intend to vote Reform, irrespective of previous votes

  3. There is strong agreement across the electorate that “no child should be born into poverty” (85% agree) and that “the government should prioritise helping those who need it” (80%). On other questions we see a strong disparity between Reform voters as a whole and 2024 Labour voters now considering a vote for Reform, with this group much more strongly aligned with Labour voters in general and with Labour voters now considering a vote for the Lib Dems or Greens.