Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps his Department is taking to reduce the prevalence of child poverty; and if he will make a statement.

This Government is committed to working to eliminate child poverty and improving life chances for children.

We have recently outlined a new approach to tackle the root causes of poverty and make a real difference to children’s lives. The Welfare Reform and Work Bill, introduced to Parliament on 9 July, includes a new statutory duty for Government to report on measures of worklessness and educational attainment. This will drive action that makes the biggest difference to the lives of poor children, both now and in the future.

We will set our further plans in a Life Chances Strategy in due course.