London has England’s highest levels of child poverty, data shows

About 38% of children in London live in relative poverty, compared with 29% in England as a whole London has England’s highest levels of child poverty and most extreme concentrations of hardship, data has revealed. In two boroughs more than half of children live below the breadline.

Key takeaways

Quick scan — what you need to know:

• About 38% of children in London live in relative poverty, compared with 29% in England as a whole London has England’s highest levels of child poverty and most extreme concentrations of hardship,…
• In two boroughs more than half of children live below the breadline.
• In Britain, child poverty rates flatlined in 2024-25 compared with the previous year.
• About 4 million youngsters (27%) live in households earning less than 60% of the national median income after housing costs are taken into account.

Background

What led here, in plain terms:

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• About 38% of children in London live in relative poverty, compared with 29% in England as a whole London has England’s highest levels of child poverty and most extreme concentrations of hardship,…
• In two boroughs more than half of children live below the breadline.
• In Britain, child poverty rates flatlined in 2024-25 compared with the previous year.

Why it matters

Why readers and decision-makers should care:

• In two boroughs more than half of children live below the breadline.
• In Britain, child poverty rates flatlined in 2024-25 compared with the previous year.
• About 4 million youngsters (27%) live in households earning less than 60% of the national median income after housing costs are taken into account.