Over 1 in 3 London children living in poverty, new research shows

New data from the government released today [Thursday 26 March] reveals that:

• 38% of all children are living in poverty across London
• A quarter or more children are living in poverty across 63% of constituencies
• Tower Hamlets and Hackney are the constituencies with the highest level of child poverty – with just over half of all children living in poverty
• 4 million children still living in poverty across the UK (27%)

Today, for the first time, government has produced child poverty figures (after housing costs) for every constituency and local authority across the UK. This new data shows that more than 1 in 3 children across London are living in poverty, after the cost of housing – a 5% increase from 2023/24.

This new data also shows that most constituencies (63%) are home to families where 1 in 4 children (or more) lives in poverty. This could mean families using baby banks so children don’t go without the essentials they need like clothes or nappies, visiting food banks to feed their children, or living in cold or unsafe housing.

As this data is produced retrospectively, the impact of the government’s ‘Tackling Child Poverty Strategy’ cannot be seen in these figures. Scrapping the two-child limit (due to happen on 6 April 2026) and increasing eligibility for free school meals in England (September 2026), alongside other measures will lead to a reduction in child poverty.

The End Child Poverty Coalition is urging the government to continue investment to reduce child poverty levels, and to continue with its work to tackle child poverty in London and across the UK.

Little Village CEO and newly appointed chair of the End Child Poverty Coalition Sophie Livingstone MBE, said: “No child in London or beyond should have to experience poverty. So many parents are under such strain because the system isn’t working for them when childhood should be a time of safety and opportunity, not filled with worry about how you’ll clothe your child or where the next meal will come from.

“While measures like scrapping the two-child limit and widening access to free school meals will make a meaningful difference for many families, they are only part of the solution. We need sustained, long-term commitment from government to ensure every child has what they need to thrive. Anything less risks more families being pushed to the brink, and more children growing up without the basics they deserve.”

Little Village see first-hand the impact of child poverty. Demand for our support remains high, with thousands of parents turning to baby banks for essentials such as clothes, nappies and equipment. Many families seeking help are in work but struggling to make ends meet after the cost of housing, often facing impossible choices between heating, food and basic items for their children.

Angelicia aged 21 who lives in London and is a Youth Ambassador for the End Child Poverty Coalition said: “Not everyone gets to have a carefree childhood. I have felt stagnant, fearful and alone – unable to reach out for help alongside my family. It’s a constant battle for security and survival. Every child should be able to take part in activities that shape them as a person, yet I wasn’t able to.”

Find out how to support children living in poverty across London.