Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps his Department plans to take in response to the recent findings of the End Child Poverty coalition on the levels of child poverty in the UK; and if he will make a statement.

The proportion of people in absolute poverty is at record lows. Since 2010 there are 600,000 fewer people in absolute poverty, including 200,000 fewer children. Work is the most effective way out of poverty and unemployment has not been lower since 1975. The government is also taking action to boost the household incomes of low earners. From this April, the National Living Wage will increase to £7.83. Over 1.6 million people are expected to benefit and this is equivalent to a pay rise of £2000 for a full-time worker since its introduction. There is more to do and the government is committed to delivering a country that works for everyone. Last April, the government published its “Improving Lives: Helping Workless Families” strategy. This focused on measures that tackle the root causes of poverty.