Labour's Welfare Reforms to Lift 100,000 Children from Poverty via Free School Meals
In a significant move to combat child poverty, Labour's new welfare policies are set to provide free school meals for families on universal credit, a measure expected to lift an additional 100,000 children out of poverty. This initiative is part of broader changes that include raising universal credit above inflation and easing benefit hurdles, yet the government has been criticised for not more loudly championing these compassionate and practical reforms.
Reversing Tory Cuts and Setting a New Direction
Despite early missteps, such as attempts to cut winter fuel allowances and disability benefits, Labour is now focusing on progressive policies. The abolition of the two-child limit, which the Joseph Rowntree Foundation reports could lead to the greatest ever fall in child poverty in a parliament, is a key example. However, public perception remains skewed by earlier controversies, highlighting a failure in communication from the government.
Stephen Timms, the minister for social security and disability, emphasised that "reducing child poverty is what Labour governments do", pointing to historical data that shows child poverty rates drop under Labour administrations. His universal credit bill, which removes the two-child limit, is projected to lift about 450,000 children out of poverty, with the free school meals extension benefiting another 100,000.
Key Reforms and Reviews
Timms is overseeing two crucial reviews: one on personal independence payments (Pip) for disability and another on universal credit. He has assured that Pip will not face cuts and will rise with inflation, addressing concerns from disabled communities. The universal credit review aims to end the punitive five-week wait for new claimants, a policy that has driven many into debt and increased food bank use.
Reflecting on past successes, Labour plans to reintroduce elements of the "new deal for young people" from 1998, which effectively reduced youth unemployment through supportive jobcentre staff rather than punitive measures. With nearly a million young people not in education, employment, or training (Neets), Labour's youth guarantee pilot seeks to replicate this success with trained work coaches.
Addressing Public Attitudes and Future Challenges
While these reforms mark a positive shift from the austerity years under George Osborne and Iain Duncan Smith, challenges remain in securing long-term progress. Timms notes that the proportion of GDP spent on working-age benefits has remained stable at 4-5% for 40 years, countering panic about rising costs. To prevent future Tory governments from reversing gains, Labour must change public attitudes, defying right-wing narratives about "scroungers" and "skivers".
The lack of a compelling narrative from the government about its welfare achievements has been a missed opportunity. By highlighting how a well-designed benefit system supports vulnerable groups, especially young people affected by Covid-19, Labour can build broader support for its policies and ensure lasting impact in the fight against poverty and social exclusion.
