No child in modern Britain should have to grow up in poverty – yet poverty affects more than one in four. Policies such as Universal Credit are clearly failing to tackle this crisis and action is needed.

Figures released today show a record 2.9 million children from working families are now living in poverty after housing costs are paid. The number of children under five living in poverty is also rising.

Families should not be forced to choose between feeding and clothing their children or putting a roof over their heads. The Government urgently needs to tackle the issues of low pay, benefit cuts and affordable housing.