Social Security: Child Poverty

Lord Hintze Excerpts

Wednesday 15th July 2026 Lords Chamber

[Lord Katz (Lab)]

The right reverend Prelate touches on a really important point: the shame and stigma of being in poverty. That is why we are taking steps such as removing the two-child limit and extending free school meals so that, when children go to school, they have a hunger to learn rather than a hunger in their bellies. It is important that we are lifting people out of poverty, but the best thing we can do is to make work pay and put people into good, decent jobs, so that young children in those families understand that the way to success is through education, employment and training.

[Lord Hintze (Con)]

My Lords, alleviating need is of critical importance. Protecting the vulnerable in society is a critical piece of what we do. Can the Minister help me understand how the Government define poverty? I speak from personal experience.