Research and analysis is integral to developing effective policies to reduce child poverty. Analysts in the Child Poverty Unit (CPU) are continuing to build up evidence on child poverty to understand its causes, consequences and costs.
The CPU commissions its own research to inform the development of strategies to reduce child poverty by 2020. The CPU also monitors and utilises emerging research conducted by other Government departments, leading academics and research institutes.
Below are details of the CPU's programme of research. On the following page are suggestions of other research that may be of interest.
CPU research
Research reports 2009
Ethnicity and child poverty
Significantly develops the evidence base on ethnicity and child poverty. It examines a range of different measures and indicators for children and families from different ethnic groups – including income poverty, poverty persistence, material deprivation, worklessness, and area deprivation.
Living with poverty
Presents the findings from an extensive review of research examining the views and experiences of low-income children and parents - covering topics such as housing, schools, neighbourhoods, public services and family life. It uses evidence from in-depth interviews, focus groups, case studies, participatory workshops and action research to describe the experience of contemporary poverty amongst children and parents in the UK.
The living standards of families with children reporting low incomes
Examines the living standards of children from low income households, with a particular focus on whether their parents are employed, self-employed or out of work. The risk factors for being in income poverty are also analysed. Longitudinal data is used to look at the effect of work status, and spells in and out of work, on income poverty and living standards.
Research reports 2008
Public attitudes to child poverty
Examines perceptions of the current level and trends of child poverty, as well as its perceived causes. It also looks at views on the adequacy of benefit levels and income from low-paid work for families with children. The findings are from a survey which took place in summer 2007.
Employment transitions and the changes in economic circumstances of families with children
Uses longitudinal data from the Families and Children Study (FACS) to explore the impact of movements in and out of paid employment on the economic circumstances of families with children. It uses two indicators of economic circumstances: income poverty and living standards hardship. The report looks at the impact of moving into work for one and two years, and moving out of work, on these indicators. It also looks at the circumstances of families who were receiving in-work tax credits.
Practitioners’ perspectives on child poverty
Explores how local practitioners and service providers – such as social workers, teachers, children’s centre staff, and Jobcentre Plus advisers – view child poverty and their role in helping to tackle it. It also explores what family support practitioners considered was necessary in order to improve outcomes for children and lift them out of poverty.
Changing economic circumstances in childhood and their effects on subsequent educational and other outcomes
Explores the link between changes in family income and children’s outcomes – particularly educational and behavioural. The study analyses three longitudinal datasets: the British birth cohort study that started in 1970, the more recent Millennium Cohort Study that started in 2001, and the National Pupil Database – the administrative dataset generated from school records and pupils’ test scores.
The CPU is always interested in hearing from any organisation that has conducted research into issues related to child poverty, and can be contacted using the contact details below.
Contact details
Child Poverty Unit
Email: contacts.cpu@childpovertyunit.gsi.gov.uk
