“[I worry about] what if we won’t have enough to eat this month. We do try as much as possible to save up what we have.”
Girl, 14
“Every time I got [food packages] the food was always out of date and mouldy ...I know I’m poor but I’m not going to eat mouldy food.”
“There should be more money for families. Some parents have very little income, or they have disabilities that mean they can’t work. They government should give them more money so they can give their children the things they need.”
Girl, 15
Boy, 15
“I get money every time I help my mum or dad do something. And I’m going to save it up so then I can buy stuff that I need, or I can get stuff for my mum and my dad just in case they don’t have the money.”
“Sometimes if I have the money, I catch the bus, but sometimes I have to walk and I just feel very uncomfortable … at night time.”
Girl, 14
Boy, 7
“I don’t get pocket money but if I did I would save it for things I need like school supplies.”
Girl, 14
Child Poverty Youth Voices:
Around 4 million children are living in poverty in the UK
‘Child poverty’ means growing up without your basic needs being met – like access to healthy food, clean water, and a safe, warm home. Children living in big families are more likely to be in poverty.
July 2025
What has the Commissioner found out?
Based on discussions with 128 children aged 6 – 18:
• Some children living in poverty feel ashamed, even though it’s not their fault.
• Children were worried about not having the basic things – like a comfortable bed, a hot shower or healthy food.
• Children knew that their parents were anxious about being able to pay the bills.
• Some children living in poverty often didn’t feel safe in their local areas, but others spoke about having lots of fun with friends and family living close by.
What is the Commissioner going to do?
The government is writing a ‘child poverty strategy’ which will introduce ways to stop children living in poverty – the Commissioner is making sure this is based on what children themselves say is important and helpful, and is talking to Members of Parliament about what children have said and asking for changes to the laws about how much money families are given.
The Commissioner is asking for:
• More money from the government to support families
• Affordable, safe housing for families
• Free bus travel for all school aged children in England
• Automatically giving all eligible children nutritious and highquality free school meals
• Making communities safer including street lighting and safe routes home
“I want every child to grow up with the things they need – no child should be living in a damp, mouldy home, or going to bed hungry. There are lots of things that need to change to make that happen. The government should make sure that the money they give to families is enough. But I also want to see schools doing more to help children.”
• Increased fun activities for young people Get involved with your school council if it has one.
Dame Rachel de Souza
Children’s Commissioner for England
Reach out for support
Speak to a trusted adult e.g. staff at school, a youth worker or a social worker
Write to your MP or look into joining your local council’s Youth Council if it has one.
If you are living in care, are living away from home, have a social worker or are a care leaver you can contact the Children’s Commissioner’s Help at Hand team
