The recently published child poverty strategy was widely criticised by campaigners for not setting “an explicit numerical target” for reducing child poverty.
Lord Bird’s amendment is sponsored by Labour peer Baroness Ruth Lister, the Honorary President of Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG), and the Bishop of Leicester.
John Bird said: “I am gifting the government a chance to right the wrongs of their recent strategy and introduce proper statutory targets for reducing child poverty.
“The absence of ambitious targets to propel forward this government’s mission to reduce child poverty is deeply concerning. In this challenging economic climate, there is every reason to worry warm words will not translate into tangible progress.
“Surely there is no greater threat to a child’s wellbeing than poverty. Any legislation that overlooks this fact is not worth its salt.”
Speaking in support of the amendment, Anna Feuchtwang, who is chief executive of leading children’s charity the National Children’s Bureau, said: “Legally-binding targets to reduce child poverty will help turn political rhetoric into actual change in people’s lives. Either the government fulfils its manifesto pledge and holds itself accountable for creating a society where all children can thrive, or we risk child poverty continuing to rise over the next four years.
“Only by committing to long-term measurable goals can we prevent poverty being a political football and systematically address the root causes of poverty, provide better support for families, and lift children from the poverty trap that undermines them in almost every area of life.”
Back in October 2025, more than 60 celebrities, campaigners and children’s charities signed an open letter backing Lord Bird’s efforts to introduce child poverty targets for England and Wales. Signatories included the actor Emilia Clarke and presenters Chris Packham and George Clarke, as well as leading charities Barnardo’s, Amnesty and the Child Poverty Action Group.
Lord Bird’s amendment will be considered by peers at this final stage for the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill, with report stage expected to continue into February 2026 and possibly beyond.
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