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Child poverty rate

Percentage of children living in relative poverty (households below 60% of median income after housing costs).

27 %
-0.3pp vs 2023-24

As of 2024-25

Historical trend

By nation

England 31 %
Scotland 25 %
Wales 33 %
Northern Ireland 27 %

Source: DWP / ONS

Trend summary

Child poverty rate was 27% in 2024-25, down from 28% in 2023-24.

Trend

  • Over the available record (1994-95–2024-25), it has ranged from 27% in 2011-12 to 34% in 1996-97.
  • The latest reading is below the record average of 30%.

Context

  • DWP Households Below Average Income (HBAI) defines relative poverty as below 60% of median household income.
  • Figures are based on the Family Resources Survey, which has a sample of around 20,000 households.

Generated from the published series — describes direction, magnitude and range only, with no editorial judgement or forecasts.

OECD comparison

🇩🇪 Germany
14 %
🇨🇦 Canada
18 %
🇫🇷 France
20 %
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
27 %

About this indicator

Source
DWP/ ONS
Update frequency
Annual
Last updated
3 August 2026
Next update
3 August 2027
Licence
OGL v3
Direction
↓ Falling

Statistics

Latest
27 %
Period high
27 %
Period low
27 %
Period average
27 %