Alison Garnham, chief executive of Child Poverty Action Group, emphasized the urgent need for action to address the rising child poverty rates.

She described the current data as a "stark warning" of the need for government intervention, stressing that this situation is not what voters desired.

This alarming trend marks the highest number of children living in poverty since records began in 2002-2003.

The government has acknowledged that cuts to disability and incapacity benefits could also contribute to this increase, affecting 200,000 disabled adults.

An assessment published alongside the spring statement warned that proposed changes in the benefits system could push around 250,000 individuals, including 50,000 children, into relative poverty.

Campaigners are particularly concerned that poverty levels may rise further under the Labour government if the two-child benefit cap is not removed in its upcoming child poverty strategy, expected in June 2025.

As of March 2024, a record 4.45 million children are living in poverty in the UK, according to data from the Department for Work and Pensions.

Despite these warnings, Ms. Reeves asserted that she is "absolutely certain" that the welfare reforms will not push people into poverty and denied any plans for further tax increases or spending cuts in the autumn budget.

Garnham reiterated that the government's commitment to reduce child poverty will fail unless urgent actions are taken, including the removal of the two-child limit.

This figure represents an increase of 100,000 children living below the poverty line in the year leading up to April 2024.

The recent spring budget, announced by Rachel Reeves, includes cuts to welfare spending, which the government predicts will result in nearly 50,000 additional children living in poverty by 2029 and 2030.

There has been an alarming uptick in children experiencing food insecurity and reliance on food banks, highlighting the severity of the crisis.