A shocking new report has revealed that some children in England are living in conditions reminiscent of Victorian times, with families struggling to afford necessities like food, heating, and safe housing.
The study, commissioned by the government and led by England’s Children’s Commissioner Dame Rachel de Souza, highlights the devastating impact of poverty on young people. Based on interviews with 128 children nationwide, the report paints a grim picture of life for the poorest families in 2025.
“Bacon is a Luxury”: Children Going Without Basics
Many children described living in overcrowded, unsafe homes, some infested with rats, while others spoke of the shame of not being able to wash their clothes or invite friends over.
One child told Dame Rachel:
“I couldn’t have my friends round because in the night rats came and bit my face.”
Another heartbreaking account revealed that some families now see bacon as an unaffordable luxury. Schools have even stepped in to wash pupils’ clothes when parents cannot afford to do so.
Calls to Scrap the Two-Child Benefit Cap
The report urges the government to take immediate action by removing the controversial two-child benefit cap, which restricts means-tested benefits for third or subsequent children born after April 2017.
The children’s commissioners for all four UK nations have issued a joint statement, calling the situation “unacceptable” and demanding:
- The abolition of the two-child limit
- An annual increase in child-related benefits
They warned:
“Children cannot afford to wait.”
Poverty’s Toll on Health and Housing
The crisis is not just about hunger, poor housing and malnutrition are leading to severe health problems. Lynn Perry, CEO of Barnardo’s, warned that Victorian-era diseases like rickets are returning due to poor diets.
Meanwhile, Mairi MacRae of Shelter said unaffordable housing is “ruining childhoods”, with families crammed into tiny, unsafe flats. Labour MP Dame Meg Hillier recounted visiting a working father of three living in a one-bedroom flat, where illness forced the family to sleep in the living room.
Government Response: “Ambitious” Strategy or Empty Promises?
The government insists it is “determined to bring down child poverty”, pointing to a £1bn support package. A spokesperson said an “ambitious” child poverty strategy, due this autumn, will tackle root causes.
However, campaigners argue more urgent action is needed. The Institute for Fiscal Studies estimates scrapping the two-child cap would cost £3.4bn a year but lift 500,000 children out of poverty.
Political Divide Over the Benefit Cap
While opposition parties, including the Lib Dems, Greens, SNP, and Plaid Cymru demand the cap’s removal, the Conservative shadow chancellor, Mel Stride, defended it, saying families must make “hard choices” about having more children.
Labour’s Bridget Phillipson refused to commit to abolishing the policy, citing financial constraints after other benefit reforms were scrapped.
A Crisis That Cannot Be Ignored
Dame Rachel, who has spent four years in her role, said she was shocked by how much worse conditions have become:
“It really is Dickensian… children are living below what any of us would think is reasonable.”
With winter approaching and families already struggling, the question remains: Will the government act fast enough to prevent more children suffering in 21st-century Britain?
1. Spotting the Signs of Poverty
Many families hide their struggles out of shame, but trained early years practitioners can look for subtle indicators:
- Hunger & Food Insecurity – Children who arrive ravenous, hoard snacks, or lack energy.
- Poor Hygiene – Unwashed clothes, persistent nappy rash, or untreated infections.
- Frequent Absences – Missing sessions due to unstable housing or lack of transport.
- Emotional & Behavioural Changes – Anxiety, withdrawal, or fatigue from poor sleep (e.g., due to overcrowding).
2. Practical Support for Families
Early years providers can take immediate action without waiting for policy changes:
✔ Discreet Food & Essentials Banks – Stock spare uniforms, toiletries, and non-perishable food for families in crisis.
✔ Free Meal Programs – Partner with charities (e.g., Magic Breakfast) to ensure children eat well.
✔ Warm Spaces & Clothing Swaps – Offer donated coats, shoes, and pyjamas in winter.
✔ Housing & Benefit Advice – Work with local councils and charities (e.g., Shelter, Citizens Advice) to help families access support.
3. Building Trust & Reducing Stigma
Many parents fear judgment. Staff can:
- Use Non-Shaming Language – Instead of “Why hasn’t he got a coat?”, ask “Would you like help finding winter clothes?”
- Offer Flexible Payments – Allow staggered fees or hardship funds for struggling parents.
- Provide Washing Facilities – Let families use nursery laundry services if possible.
4. Advocating for Policy Change
While direct support helps, long-term solutions require systemic change. Early years leaders can:
📢 Lobby MPs – Push for scrapping the two-child cap and expanding free school meals.
📢 Partner with Charities – Organisations like Barnardo’s and The Trussell Trust amplify voices of struggling families.
📢 Share Data Safely – Report trends (e.g., rising malnutrition) to local authorities without breaching confidentiality.
“We Can’t Wait for Politics to Catch Up”
Dame Rachel’s report is a wake-up call, child poverty is worsening, and early years settings are on the frontline. While government action is essential, nurseries and childminders can make a real, immediate difference.
What’s your setting doing to help? Share ideas below to inspire others.
[Sources: BBC News, Children’s Commissioner Report, Early Years Alliance, Shelter]
