Child Poverty Act 2010

2010 CHAPTER 9

An Act to set targets relating to the eradication of child poverty, and to make other provision about child poverty.

[25th March 2010]

Be it enacted by the Queen's most Excellent Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Lords Spiritual and Temporal, and Commons, in this present Parliament assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:—

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C1 Act transfer of functions (8.5.2016) by The Departments (Transfer of Functions) Order (Northern Ireland) 2016 (S.R. 2016/76), art. 1(2), Sch. 1 Pt. 2 (with art. 9(2))

Part 1 U.K. National targets, strategies and reports

Targets relating to child poverty U.K.

1 The 2010 target U.K.

(1) The Secretary of State must, as soon as reasonably practicable after the end of the 2010 target year and in any event not later than 30 June 2012, lay before Parliament a report on whether the 2010 target has been met.

(2) The 2010 target is that in the financial year beginning with 1 April 2010, 1.7 million children or fewer live in qualifying households in the United Kingdom that fell within the relevant income group for the purposes of section 3 (the relative low income target).

(3) The report must be based on statistics that the Statistics Board has designated under section 12 of the Statistics and Registration Service Act 2007 (assessment) as National Statistics.

(4) Whether the target has been met in relation to the 2010 target year is to be determined by reference to the statistics.

(5) If the target has not been met, the report must explain why it has not been met.

(6) The 2010 target year is the financial year beginning with 1 April 2010.

2 Duty of Secretary of State to ensure that targets in sections 3 to 6 are met U.K.

(1) It is the duty of the Secretary of State to ensure that the following targets are met in relation to the United Kingdom in relation to the target year—

(a) the relative low income target in section 3,

(b) the combined low income and material deprivation target in section 4,

(c) the absolute low income target in section 5, and

(d) the persistent poverty target in section 6.

(2) The target year is the financial year beginning with 1 April 2020.

3 The relative low income target U.K.

(1) The relative low income target is that less than 10% of children who live in qualifying households live in households that fall within the relevant income group.

(2) For the purposes of this section, a household falls within the relevant income group, in relation to a financial year, if its equivalised net income for the financial year is less than 60% of median equivalised net household income for the financial year.

4 The combined low income and material deprivation target U.K.

(1) The combined low income and material deprivation target is that less than 5% of children who live in qualifying households—

(a) live in households that fall within the relevant income group, and

(b) experience material deprivation.

(2) For the purposes of subsection (1)(a), a household falls within the relevant income group, in relation to a financial year, if its equivalised net income for the financial year is less than 70% of median equivalised net household income for the financial year.

(3) Regulations must specify the circumstances in which a child is to be regarded for the purposes of subsection (1)(b) as experiencing material deprivation in a financial year.

5 The absolute low income target U.K.

(1) The absolute low income target is that less than 5% of children who live in qualifying households live in households falling within the relevant income group.

(2) For the purposes of this section, a household falls within the relevant income group, in relation to a financial year, if its equivalised net income for the financial year is less than 60% of the adjusted base amount.

(3) “The adjusted base amount”, in relation to a financial year, is the base amount adjusted in a prescribed manner to take account of changes in the value of money since the base year.

(4) In this section—

• “the base amount” means the amount of median equivalised net household income for the base year;

• “the base year” means the financial year beginning with 1 April 2010.

6 The persistent poverty target U.K.

(1) In relation to a financial year (“the relevant financial year”), the persistent poverty target is that less than the target percentage of children who have lived in qualifying households during each of the survey years have lived in households that have been within the relevant income group in at least 3 of the survey years.

(2) The survey years are—

(a) the calendar year that ends in the relevant financial year, and

(b) the 3 previous calendar years.

(3) For the purposes of this section, the target percentage is a percentage to be prescribed by regulations made before 2015.

(4) For the purposes of this section, a household falls within the relevant income group, in relation to a calendar year, if its equivalised net income for the year is less than 60% of median equivalised net household income for the year.

(5) Instead of exercising the power conferred by subsection (3), the Secretary of State may by regulations amend this section so as to substitute a different persistent poverty target for that set out in subsections (1) to (4).

(6) Regulations under subsection (5) may only be made—

(a) before 2015F1 ...

F1 (b) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F1 S. 6(6)(b) repealed (8.5.2012) by Welfare Reform Act 2012 (c. 5) , s. 150(2)(j), Sch. 13 para. 5

7 Interpretation of terms used in relation to targets U.K.

(1) Regulations may for the purposes of this Part make provision about the following—

(a) what is a qualifying household;

(b) the circumstances in which a child is or is not to be regarded as living in a qualifying household;

(c) what is to be regarded as the income of a household for a financial year;

(d) what deductions are to be made in calculating the net income of a household;

(e) how net household income is to be equivalised.

(2) The deductions prescribed under subsection (1)(d) are not to include housing costs, but regulations under that provision may provide that specified expenses are not to be treated as housing costs.

(3) In this Part “equivalised”, in relation to household income, means adjusted to take account of variations in household size and composition.

(4) In making regulations under subsection (1)(a), the Secretary of State must have regard to the desirability of ensuring that the targets in sections 3 to 6 have as wide an application as is reasonably practicable, having regard to the statistical surveys that are being or can reasonably be expected to be undertaken.

[F2 Social Mobility and Child Poverty Commission U.K.

Textual Amendments

F2 Ss. 8-8C and cross-heading substituted for s. 8 and cross-heading (8.5.2012) by Welfare Reform Act 2012 (c. 5) , s. 150(2)(j) , Sch. 13 para. 2

8 Social Mobility and Child Poverty Commission U.K.

(1) There is to be a body called the Social Mobility and Child Poverty Commission (in this Act referred to as “ the Commission ”).

(2) The Commission's functions are those conferred on it by or under this Act.

(3) Schedule 1 contains further provision about the Commission.

(4) A Minister of the Crown may by order provide for the Commission to cease to exist on a day—

(a) specified in or determined in accordance with the order, and

(b) falling after the target year.

(5) An order under subsection (4) may contain such transitional or consequential provision as the Minister of the Crown considers necessary or expedient in connection with the abolition of the Commission.

(6) That provision may include provision amending, repealing or revoking—

(a) the provisions of this Act so far as relating to the Commission;

(b) any provision of any other Act (whenever passed);

(c) any provision of any instrument made under an Act (whenever made).

8A Advice U.K.

(1) The Commission must on request give advice to a Minister of the Crown about how to measure socio-economic disadvantage, social mobility and child poverty.

(2) Advice given under this section must be published.

8B Annual reports U.K.

(1) Before each anniversary of the coming into force of this section the Commission must publish a report setting out its views on the progress made towards the goals in subsection (2).

(2) Those goals are—

(a) improving social mobility in the United Kingdom, and

(b) reducing child poverty in the United Kingdom, and in particular—

(i) meeting the targets in sections 3 to 6 in relation to the target year, and

(ii) implementing the most recent UK strategy.

(3) A report under subsection (1) must also describe—

(a) the measures taken by the Scottish Ministers in accordance with a Scottish strategy,

(b) the measures taken by the Welsh Ministers in accordance with a Welsh strategy, and

(c) in the case of a report made after the appointed day for Northern Ireland, the measures taken by the Northern Ireland departments in accordance with a Northern Ireland strategy.

(4) A report under subsection (1) may by published as one or more documents as a Minister of the Crown may direct.

(5) If the Commission so requests, a Minister of the Crown may by order extend the publication deadline for any particular report by not more than nine months.

(6) A Minister of the Crown must lay a report under this section before Parliament.

8C Other functions U.K.

A Minister of the Crown may direct the Commission to carry out any other activity relating to the goals in section 8B(2).]

Strategies: duties of Secretary of State U.K.

9 UK strategies U.K.

(1) The Secretary of State must, before the end of the period of 12 months beginning with the day on which this Act is passed, publish and lay before Parliament the first UK strategy.

(2) A “UK strategy” is a strategy under this section setting out the measures that the Secretary of State proposes to take—

(a) for the purpose of complying with section 2 (duty to ensure that targets are met), and

(b) for the purpose of ensuring as far as possible that children in the United Kingdom do not experience socio-economic disadvantage.

(3) A UK strategy may also refer to proposals of the Scottish Ministers, the Welsh Ministers or the relevant Northern Ireland department.

(4) Before the end of the period to which a UK strategy relates, the Secretary of State must review the strategy and publish and lay before Parliament a revised UK strategy, but this subsection does not apply after the beginning of the target year.

(5) In preparing a UK strategy, the Secretary of State must consider what (if any) measures ought to be taken in each of the following areas—

(a) the promotion and facilitation of the employment of parents or of the development of the skills of parents,

(b) the provision of financial support for children and parents,

(c) the provision of information, advice and assistance to parents and the promotion of parenting skills,

(d) physical and mental health, education, childcare and social services, and

(e) housing, the built or natural environment and the promotion of social inclusion.

(6) When considering for the purpose of a UK strategy what measures ought to be taken in relation to each of those areas, the Secretary of State—

(a) must consider which groups of children in the United Kingdom appear to be disproportionately affected by socio-economic disadvantage, and

(b) must consider the likely impact of each measure on children within each of those groups.

(7) A UK strategy must—

(a) where it relates to a period ending before the end of the target year—

(i) describe the [F3 measures] that the Secretary of State considers [F4 need to be taken ] by the end of the period to which the strategy relates if the targets in sections 3 to 6 are to be met in relation to the United Kingdom in relation to the target year, and

(ii) describe the other [F5 measures] that the Secretary of State [F6 proposes to take] by the end of the period to which the strategy relates [F7 to achieve] the purpose mentioned in subsection (2)(b), and

(b) describe the [F8 measures (other than those described under paragraph (a))] that the Secretary of State [F9 proposes to take] by the end of the target year [F10 to achieve ] the purpose mentioned in subsection (2)(b)F11 ...

(8) A UK strategy other than the first must also—

(a) describe the measures taken in accordance with the previous UK strategy and the measures taken in accordance with a Scottish strategy, a Welsh strategy or a Northern Ireland strategy,[F12 and]

[F12 (b) give an account (in such manner as the Secretary of State considers appropriate) of the effect of those measures, so far as relating to the purposes mentioned in subsection (2).]

(9) References in this section to the period to which a UK strategy relates are references to the period beginning with the date on which the UK strategy is laid before Parliament and—

(a) except in the case of a UK strategy laid before Parliament less than 3 years before the beginning of the target year, ending 3 years later, and

(b) in that excepted case, ending with the target year.

Textual Amendments

F3 Word in s. 9(7)(a)(i) substituted (8.5.2012) by Welfare Reform Act 2012 (c. 5) , ss. 146(2)(a) , 150(3) ; S.I. 2012/863 , art. 2(3)(i)

F4 Words in s. 9(7)(a)(i) substituted (8.5.2012) by Welfare Reform Act 2012 (c. 5) , ss. 146(2)(b) , 150(3) ; S.I. 2012/863 , art. 2(3)(i)

F5 Word in s. 9(7)(a)(ii) substituted (8.5.2012) by Welfare Reform Act 2012 (c. 5) , ss. 146(3)(a) , 150(3) ; S.I. 2012/863 , art. 2(3)(i)

F6 Words in s. 9(7)(a)(ii) substituted (8.5.2012) by Welfare Reform Act 2012 (c. 5) , ss. 146(3)(b) , 150(3) ; S.I. 2012/863 , art. 2(3)(i)

F7 Words in s. 9(7)(a)(ii) substituted (8.5.2012) by Welfare Reform Act 2012 (c. 5) , ss. 146(3)(c) , 150(3) ; S.I. 2012/863 , art. 2(3)(i)

F8 Words in s. 9(7)(b) substituted (8.5.2012) by Welfare Reform Act 2012 (c. 5) , ss. 146(4)(a) , 150(3) ; S.I. 2012/863 , art. 2(3)(i)

F9 Words in s. 9(7)(b) substituted (8.5.2012) by Welfare Reform Act 2012 (c. 5) , ss. 146(4)(b) , 150(3) ; S.I. 2012/863 , art. 2(3)(i)

F10 Words in s. 9(7)(b) substituted (8.5.2012) by Welfare Reform Act 2012 (c. 5) , ss. 146(4)(c) , 150(3) ; S.I. 2012/863 , art. 2(3)(i)

F11 Words in s. 9(7)(b) repealed (8.5.2012) by Welfare Reform Act 2012 (c. 5) , ss. 146(4)(d) , 150(3) ; S.I. 2012/863 , art. 2(3)(i)

F12 S. 9(8)(b) and word substituted for s. 9(8)(b)(c) (8.5.2012) by Welfare Reform Act 2012 (c. 5) , ss. 146(5) , 150(3) ; S.I. 2012/863 , art. 2(3)(i)

10 [F13 Consultation] U.K.

F14 (1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F14 (2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F14 (3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(4) In preparing a UK strategy, the Secretary of State—

(a) must consult such local authorities and associations of local authorities in England as the Secretary of State thinks fit,

(b) must consult the Scottish Ministers, the Welsh Ministers and the relevant Northern Ireland department,

(c) must consult such children, and organisations working with or representing children, as the Secretary of State thinks fit,

(d) must consult such parents, and organisations working with or representing parents, as the Secretary of State thinks fit, and

(e) may consult such other persons as the Secretary of State thinks fit.

(5) In preparing a UK strategy, the Secretary of State must have regard to any Scottish strategy, Welsh strategy or Northern Ireland strategy.

Textual Amendments

F13 S. 10 heading substituted (8.5.2012) by Welfare Reform Act 2012 (c. 5) , s. 150(2)(j) , Sch. 13 para. 6(a)

F14 S. 10(1)-(3) repealed (8.5.2012) by Welfare Reform Act 2012 (c. 5) , s. 150(2)(j) , Sch. 13 para. 6(b)

Strategies: duties of Scottish Ministers and relevant Northern Ireland department U.K.

11 Scottish strategies S

(1) The Scottish Ministers must, before the end of the period of 12 months beginning with the day on which this Act is passed, publish and lay before the Scottish Parliament the first Scottish strategy.

(2) A “Scottish strategy” is a strategy under this section setting out the measures that the Scottish Ministers propose to take—

(a) for the purpose of contributing to the compliance by the Secretary of State with section 2 (duty to ensure that targets are met), and

(b) for the purpose of ensuring as far as possible that children in Scotland do not experience socio-economic disadvantage.

(3) Before the end of the period to which a Scottish strategy relates, the Scottish Ministers must review the strategy and publish and lay before the Scottish Parliament a revised Scottish strategy, but this subsection does not apply after the beginning of the target year.

(4) A Scottish strategy must—

(a) where it relates to a period ending before the end of the target year—

(i) describe the progress that the Scottish Ministers intend to make in Scotland by the end of the period to which the strategy relates in contributing to the meeting of the targets in sections 3 to 6 in relation to the target year,

(ii) describe the other progress that the Scottish Ministers intend to make by the end of the period to which the strategy relates in achieving the purpose mentioned in subsection (2)(b), and

(b) describe the progress that the Scottish Ministers intend to make by the end of the target year in achieving the purpose mentioned in subsection (2)(b), otherwise than by contributing to the meeting of the targets.

(5) A Scottish strategy other than the first must also—

(a) describe the measures taken by the Scottish Ministers in accordance with the previous Scottish strategy,

(b) describe the effect of those measures in contributing to the meeting of the targets in sections 3 to 6, and

(c) describe other effects of those measures that contribute to the achievement of the purpose mentioned in subsection (2)(b).

(6) A Scottish strategy may not include proposals that relate to reserved matters, within the meaning of the Scotland Act 1998.

(7) The Scottish Ministers must, on or before each report date relating to a Scottish strategy, lay before the Scottish Parliament a report which—

(a) describes the measures taken by the Scottish Ministers in accordance with the Scottish strategy,

(b) describes the effect of those measures in contributing to the meeting of the targets in sections 3 to 6, and

(c) describes other effects of those measures that contribute to the achievement of the purpose mentioned in subsection (2)(b).

(8) The report dates relating to a Scottish strategy are each anniversary of the day on which it was laid before the Scottish Parliament, other than an anniversary which falls—

(a) on or after the date on which a subsequent Scottish strategy is so laid, or

(b) after the end of the target year.

(9) References in this section to the period to which a Scottish strategy relates are references to the period beginning with the date on which the Scottish strategy is laid before the Scottish Parliament and—

(a) except in the case of a Scottish strategy laid before that Parliament less than 3 years before the beginning of the target year, ending 3 years later, and

(b) in that excepted case, ending with the target year.

12 Northern Ireland strategies N.I.

(1) The relevant Northern Ireland department must, before the end of the period of 12 months beginning with the day on which this Act is passed, publish and lay before the Northern Ireland Assembly the first Northern Ireland strategy.

(2) A “Northern Ireland strategy” is a strategy under this section setting out the measures that the Northern Ireland departments propose to take—

(a) for the purpose of contributing to the compliance by the Secretary of State with section 2 (duty to ensure that targets are met), and

(b) for the purpose of ensuring as far as possible that children in Northern Ireland do not experience socio-economic disadvantage.

(3) Before the end of the period to which a Northern Ireland strategy relates, the relevant Northern Ireland department must review the strategy and publish and lay before the Northern Ireland Assembly a revised Northern Ireland strategy, but this subsection does not apply after the beginning of the target year.

(4) A Northern Ireland strategy must—

(a) where it relates to a period ending before the end of the target year—

(i) describe the progress that the Northern Ireland departments intend to make in Northern Ireland by the end of the period to which the strategy relates in contributing to the meeting of the targets in sections 3 to 6 in relation to the target year,

(ii) describe the other progress that the Northern Ireland departments intend to make by the end of the period to which the strategy relates in achieving the purpose mentioned in subsection (2)(b), and

(b) describe the progress that the Northern Ireland departments intend to make by the end of the target year in achieving the purpose mentioned in subsection (2)(b), otherwise than by contributing to the meeting of the targets.

(5) A Northern Ireland strategy other than the first must also—

(a) describe the measures taken by the Northern Ireland departments in accordance with the previous Northern Ireland strategy,

(b) describe the effect of those measures in contributing to the meeting of the targets in sections 3 to 6, and

(c) describe other effects of those measures that contribute to the achievement of the purpose mentioned in subsection (2)(b).

(6) A Northern Ireland strategy may not include proposals that relate to excepted or reserved matters, within the meaning of the Northern Ireland Act 1998.

(7) The relevant Northern Ireland department must, on or before each report date relating to a Northern Ireland strategy, lay before the Northern Ireland Assembly a report which—

(a) describes the measures taken by the Northern Ireland departments in accordance with the Northern Ireland strategy,

(b) describes the effect of those measures in contributing to the meeting of the targets in sections 3 to 6, and

(c) describes other effects of those measures that contribute to the achievement of the purpose mentioned in subsection (2)(b).

(8) The report dates relating to a Northern Ireland strategy are each anniversary of the day on which it was laid before the Northern Ireland Assembly, other than an anniversary which falls—

(a) on or after the date on which a subsequent Northern Ireland strategy is so laid, or

(b) after the end of the target year.

(9) References in this section to the period to which a Northern Ireland strategy relates are references to the period beginning with the date on which the Northern Ireland strategy is laid before the Northern Ireland Assembly and—

(a) except in the case of a Northern Ireland strategy laid before the Assembly less than 3 years before the beginning of the target year, ending 3 years later, and

(b) in that excepted case, ending with the target year.

13 [F15 Consultation: Scotland and Northern Ireland] U.K.

F16 (1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F16 (2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(3) In preparing a Scottish strategy or a Northern Ireland strategy, the devolved administration—

(a) in the case of a Scottish strategy, must consult such local authorities or associations of local authorities in Scotland as the devolved administration thinks fit,

(b) must consult the Secretary of State,

(c) must consult such children, and organisations working with or representing children, as the devolved administration thinks fit,

(d) must consult such parents, and organisations working with or representing parents, as the devolved administration thinks fit, and

(e) may consult such other persons as the devolved administration thinks fit.

(4) In this section “the devolved administration” means—

(a) in relation to a Scottish strategy, the Scottish Ministers, and

(b) in relation to a Northern Ireland strategy, the relevant Northern Ireland department.

Textual Amendments

F15 S. 13 heading substituted (8.5.2012) by Welfare Reform Act 2012 (c. 5) , s. 150(2)(j) , Sch. 13 para. 7(a)

F16 S. 13(1)(2) repealed (8.5.2012) by Welfare Reform Act 2012 (c. 5) , s. 150(2)(j) , Sch. 13 para. 7(b)

Reports by Secretary of State U.K.

F18 14 [F17 Statement] by Secretary of State U.K.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F17 Word in s. 14 substituted (8.5.2012) by Welfare Reform Act 2012 (c. 5) , s. 150(2)(j) , Sch. 13 para. 8(1)

F18 S. 14 repealed (8.5.2012) by Welfare Reform Act 2012 (c. 5) , s. 150(2)(j) , Sch. 13 para. 8(2)

15 Statement required in relation to target year U.K.

(1) [F19 The Secretary of State must, as soon as reasonably practicable after the end of the target year, lay before Parliament ] a statement of—

(a) the percentage of children living in qualifying households in the United Kingdom in the target year who were living in households that fell within the relevant income group for the purposes of section 3 (the relative low income target);

(b) the percentage of children living in qualifying households in the United Kingdom in the target year who were for the purposes of section 4 (the combined low income and material deprivation target) living in households that fell within the relevant income group and experiencing material deprivation;

(c) the percentage of children living in qualifying households in the United Kingdom in the target year who were living in households that fell within the relevant income group for the purposes of section 5 (the absolute low income target);

(d) the percentage of children who have lived in qualifying households during the survey years (as defined by section 6(2)) which relate to the target year who have lived in households that fell within the relevant income group for the purposes of section 6 (the persistent poverty target) in at least 3 of the survey years.

(2) The statement must be based on statistics that the Statistics Board has designated under section 12 of the Statistics and Registration Service Act 2007 (assessment) as National Statistics.

(3) Whether the targets in sections 3 to 6 have been met in relation to the target year is to be determined by reference to the percentages given in the statement.

(4) If any of the targets in sections 3 to 6 has not been met, [F20 the statement] must explain why it has not been met.

[F21 (5) The Secretary of State must consult the Scottish Ministers, the Welsh Ministers and the relevant Northern Ireland department before preparing the statement.]

Textual Amendments

F19 Words in s. 15(1) substituted (8.5.2012) by Welfare Reform Act 2012 (c. 5) , s. 150(2)(j) , Sch. 13 para. 9(2)

F20 Words in s. 15(4) substituted (8.5.2012) by Welfare Reform Act 2012 (c. 5) , s. 150(2)(j) , Sch. 13 para. 9(3)

F21 S. 15(5) inserted (8.5.2012) by Welfare Reform Act 2012 (c. 5) , s. 150(2)(j) , Sch. 13 para. 9(4)

Economic and fiscal circumstances U.K.

16 Economic and fiscal circumstances U.K.

(1) The matters mentioned in subsection (2) must be taken into account—

(a) by the Secretary of State in preparing a UK strategy;

(b) by the Commission in considering any advice to be given [F22 under section 8A ]

(2) Those matters are—

(a) economic circumstances and in particular the likely impact of any measure on the economy;

(b) fiscal circumstances and in particular the likely impact of any measure on taxation, public spending and public borrowing.

(3) In preparing a Scottish strategy or a Northern Ireland strategy, the Scottish Ministers or the relevant Northern Ireland department must have regard to—

(a) the resources that are or may be available to the Scottish Ministers or, as the case may be, to the Northern Ireland departments, and

(b) the effect of the implementation of the strategy on those resources.

Textual Amendments

F22 Words in s. 16(1)(b) substituted (8.5.2012) by Welfare Reform Act 2012 (c. 5) , s. 150(2)(j) , Sch. 13 para. 10

Continuing effect of targets after target year U.K.

17 Continuing effect of targets after target year U.K.

Schedule 2 contains provision about the effect of the targets in sections 3 to 6 in relation to financial years after the target year.

Supplementary U.K.

18 Interpretation of Part 1 U.K.

(1) In this Part—

• “the Commission” means the [F23 Social Mobility and Child Poverty Commission];

• “financial year” means the 12 months ending with 31 March;

• [F24 “Minister of the Crown” has the same meaning as in the Ministers of the Crown Act 1975;]

• “ Northern Ireland strategy ” has the meaning given by section 12(2);

• “ the relevant Northern Ireland department ” means the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister;

• “ Scottish strategy ” has the meaning given by section 11(2);

• “target year” (except in the expression “ renewed target year ”) has the meaning given by section 2(2);

• “ UK strategy ” has the meaning given by section 9(2);

• “ Welsh strategy ” means a strategy prepared by the Welsh Ministers under Part 1 of the Children and Families (Wales) Measure 2010.

(2) In this Part “qualifying household” and other terms relating to households are to be read in accordance with section 7.

[F25 (3) In this Part “ appointed day for Northern Ireland ” means such day as a Minister of the Crown may by order with the consent of the Northern Ireland Assembly appoint (and different days may be appointed for the purposes of different provisions of this Part). ]

Textual Amendments

F23 Words in s. 18(1) substituted (8.5.2012) by Welfare Reform Act 2012 (c. 5) , s. 150(2)(j) , Sch. 13 para. 11(2)

F24 Words in s. 18(1) inserted (8.5.2012) by Welfare Reform Act 2012 (c. 5) , s. 150(2)(j) , Sch. 13 para. 11(3)

F25 S. 18(3) inserted (8.5.2012) by Welfare Reform Act 2012 (c. 5) , s. 150(2)(j) , Sch. 13 para. 11(4)

[F24 Part 2 E+W Duties of local authorities and other bodies in England

19 Responsible local authorities E+W

For the purposes of this Part, each of the following is a responsible local authority—

(a) a county council in England;

(b) a district council in England, other than a council for a district in a county for which there is a county council;

(c) a London borough council;

(d) the Council of the Isles of Scilly;

(e) the Common Council of the City of London in its capacity as a local authority.

20 Partner authorities E+W

(1) For the purposes of this Part, each of the following is a partner authority in relation to a responsible local authority—

(a) any person mentioned in subsection (2) who acts or is established for an area which, or any part of which, coincides with or falls within the responsible local authority's area;

(b) the person mentioned in subsection (3).

(2) The persons referred to in subsection (1)(a) are—

(a) any district council which is not a responsible local authority;

(b) a [F26 local policing body];

(c) a chief officer of police;

(d) an Integrated Transport Authority for an integrated transport area in England;

(e) Transport for London;

[F27 (ea) a clinical commissioning group;]

F28 (f) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F29 (g) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(h) a youth offending team established under section 39 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998.

(3) The person referred to in subsection (1)(b) is the Secretary of State, but only in relation to—

(a) the Secretary of State's functions under section 2 of the Employment and Training Act 1973 (arrangements with respect to obtaining etc. employment or employees);

(b) the Secretary of State's functions under sections 2 and 3 of the Offender Management Act 2007 (responsibility for ensuring provision of probation services throughout England and Wales).

(4) The Secretary of State's functions under this Part as a partner authority of a local authority in relation to the functions referred to in subsection (3)(b) are functions to which section 2(1)(c) of the Offender Management Act 2007 (functions to be performed through arrangements under section 3 of that Act) applies.

(5) In subsection (1)(a), references to the area for which a person acts or is established are references—

(a) in the case of the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis, to the metropolitan police district (within the meaning of the Police Act 1996);

(b) in the case of the Commissioner of the City of London Police, to the City of London police area (within the meaning of that Act);

(c) in the case of any other chief officer of police, to the police area listed in Schedule 1 to that Act for which the chief officer's police force is maintained;

(d) in the case of Transport for London, to Greater London.

(6) The Secretary of State may by order—

(a) amend subsection (2) or (3) by—

(i) adding to it any person who has functions of a public nature;

(ii) removing from it any person for the time being mentioned in it; or

(iii) adding to subsection (3) any function of the Secretary of State or removing from it any function for the time being mentioned in it; and

(b) make such other amendments of this section as appear to the Secretary of State to be necessary or expedient in consequence of provision made under paragraph (a).

(7) Before making an order under subsection (6) the Secretary of State must consult such representatives of local government and such other persons (if any) as the Secretary of State thinks fit.

Textual Amendments

F26 Words in s. 20(2)(b) substituted (16.1.2012) by Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011 (c. 13), s. 157(1), Sch. 16 para. 379; S.I. 2011/3019, Sch. 1

F27 S. 20(2)(ea) inserted (1.4.2013) by Health and Social Care Act 2012 (c. 7), s. 306(4), Sch. 5 para. 183(a); S.I. 2013/160, art. 2(2) (with arts. 7-9)

F28 S. 20(2)(f) omitted (1.4.2013) by virtue of Health and Social Care Act 2012 (c. 7), s. 306(4), Sch. 5 para. 183(b); S.I. 2013/160, art. 2(2) (with arts. 7-9)

F29 S. 20(2)(g) omitted (1.4.2013) by virtue of Health and Social Care Act 2012 (c. 7), s. 306(4), Sch. 5 para. 183(c); S.I. 2013/160, art. 2(2) (with arts. 7-9)

21 Co-operation to reduce child poverty in local area E+W

(1) Each responsible local authority must make arrangements to promote co-operation between—

(a) the authority;

(b) each of its partner authorities; and

(c) such other persons or bodies as the authority thinks fit.

(2) The arrangements are to be made with a view to reducing, and mitigating the effects of, child poverty in the responsible local authority's area.

(3) Each partner authority must co-operate with the responsible local authority in the making of arrangements under this section.

(4) The responsible local authority and each partner authority must, in exercising their functions under this section, have regard to any guidance given to them for the purpose by the Secretary of State.

(5) A responsible local authority and any partner authority may for the purposes of arrangements under this section—

(a) provide staff, goods, services, accommodation or other resources;

(b) establish and maintain a pooled fund.

(6) A pooled fund is a fund—

(a) which is made up of contributions by the responsible local authority and the partner authority or authorities concerned, and

(b) out of which payments may be made towards expenditure incurred in the discharge of functions of the responsible local authority and functions of the partner authority or authorities.

22 Local child poverty needs assessment E+W

(1) The arrangements made by a responsible local authority under section 21 must include arrangements to prepare and publish an assessment of the needs of children living in poverty in its area (“a local child poverty needs assessment”).

(2) The Secretary of State may by regulations make provision about local child poverty needs assessments.

(3) Those regulations may in particular include provision as to—

(a) matters that must be considered in a local child poverty needs assessment;

(b) when and how an assessment must be published;

(c) keeping an assessment under review;

(d) when and how an assessment must be revised;

(e) consultation to be carried out during the preparation or revision of an assessment;

(f) other steps required or permitted to be taken in connection with the preparation or revision of an assessment.

(4) The responsible local authority and each partner authority must, in exercising their functions under this section, have regard to any guidance given to them for the purpose by the Secretary of State.

23 Joint child poverty strategy for local area E+W

(1) The arrangements made by a responsible local authority under section 21 must include arrangements to prepare a joint child poverty strategy in relation to its area and to modify it in accordance with this section.

(2) The joint child poverty strategy must set out the measures that the responsible local authority and each partner authority propose to take for the purpose of reducing, and mitigating the effects of, child poverty in the responsible local authority's area.

(3) Those measures—

(a) must include measures relating to matters identified in a local child poverty needs assessment;

(b) may include measures relating to other matters identified by the responsible local authority or a partner authority in connection with child poverty in the responsible local authority's area.

(4) The responsible local authority may at any time modify the joint child poverty strategy.

(5) When a responsible local authority revises a local child poverty needs assessment it must consider whether any modification of the joint child poverty strategy is required.

(6) In preparing or modifying the joint child poverty strategy, the responsible local authority—

(a) must consult such children, and organisations working with or representing children, as the authority thinks fit,

(b) must consult such parents, and organisations working with or representing parents, as the authority thinks fit, and

(c) may consult such other persons or bodies as the authority thinks fit.

(7) The responsible local authority and each partner authority must, in exercising their functions under this section, have regard to any guidance given to them for the purpose by the Secretary of State.

(8) The responsible local authority and each partner authority must have regard to the joint child poverty strategy in exercising their functions.

(9) References in this section to a local child poverty needs assessment are to a local child poverty needs assessment prepared by the responsible local authority under section 22.

F30 24 Sustainable community strategy E+W

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F30 S. 24 omitted (26.5.2015) by virtue of Deregulation Act 2015 (c. 20), ss. 100(2)(f), 115(3)(k)

25 Meaning of “child poverty” in Part 2 E+W

(1) This section has effect for the interpretation of this Part.

(2) A child is to be taken to be living in poverty if the child experiences socio-economic disadvantage, and references to “child poverty” have a corresponding meaning.

(3) Without limiting subsection (2), a child is to be taken to experience socio-economic disadvantage during any period in which—

(a) the child lives in a household that falls within the relevant income group for the purposes of section 3 (the relative low income target) or section 5 (the absolute low income target), or

(b) the child lives in a household that falls within the relevant income group for the purposes of subsection (1)(a) of section 4 (combined low income and material deprivation target) and is regarded for the purposes of subsection (1)(b) of that section as experiencing material deprivation.

(4) Expressions used in subsection (3) and in Part 1 of this Act have the same meaning in that subsection as in that Part.

Part 3 U.K. Miscellaneous and General

Free school lunches and milk E+W

26 Free school lunches and milk E+W

(1) In section 512ZB of the Education Act 1996 (provision of free school lunches and milk), in subsection (4)—

(a) after “A person” insert “ (“C”) ” ,

(b) in paragraph (a)—

(i) for “his parent” substitute “ C's parent ” ,

(ii) at the end of sub-paragraph (iia), insert “ or ” , and

(iii) omit sub-paragraph (iv) (including the “or” immediately following it),

(c) after paragraph (a) insert—

“(aa) C meets any conditions prescribed for the purposes of this paragraph and C's parent is, in such circumstances as may be so prescribed—

(i) in receipt of any benefit or allowance not falling within paragraph (a) that is so prescribed, or

(ii) entitled to any tax credit under the Tax Credits Act 2002 or element of such a tax credit, that is so prescribed, or”,

(d) in paragraph (b)—

(i) for “he, himself, is—” substitute “ C is— ” ,

(ii) at the end of sub-paragraph (ii), insert “ or ” , and

(iii) omit sub-paragraph (iii), and

(e) at the end insert—

“(c) C meets any conditions prescribed for the purposes of this paragraph and is—

(i) in receipt of any benefit or allowance not falling within paragraph (b) that is so prescribed, or

(ii) entitled to any tax credit under the Tax Credits Act 2002 or element of such a tax credit, that is so prescribed.”

(2) Any regulations made under paragraph (a)(iv) of subsection (4) of section 512ZB of the Education Act 1996 and in force immediately before the coming into force of this section are to have effect as if made under paragraph (aa) of that subsection.

(3) Any regulations made under paragraph (b)(iii) of subsection (4) of section 512ZB of the Education Act 1996 and in force immediately before the coming into force of this section are to have effect as if made under paragraph (c) of that subsection.

General U.K.

27 General interpretation U.K.

(1) In this Act—

• “ child ” means—

  (a)

  a person under the age of 16, or

  (b)

  a person who is a qualifying young person for the purposes of Part 9 of the Social Security Contributions and Benefits Act 1992 or Part 9 of the Social Security Contributions and Benefits (Northern Ireland) Act 1992 (child benefit);

• “ parent ” means—

  (a)

  any individual who has parental responsibility for a child, or

  (b)

  any other individual with whom a child resides and who has care of the child;

• “ prescribed ” means prescribed by regulations;

• “ regulations ” means regulations made by the Secretary of State under this Act.

(2) In paragraph (a) of the definition of “parent” in subsection (1), the reference to “parental responsibility”—

(a) in relation to England and Wales, is to be read in accordance with the Children Act 1989,

(b) in relation to Northern Ireland, is to be read in accordance with the Children (Northern Ireland) Order 1995, and

(c) in relation to Scotland, is to be read as a reference to parental responsibilities within the meaning of the Children (Scotland) Act 1995.

28 Regulations and orders U.K.

(1) Any power to make regulations or an order under this Act is exercisable by statutory instrument.

(2) Any regulations or order under this Act may—

(a) make different provision for different cases,

(b) include supplementary, incidental and consequential provision, and

(c) make transitional provisions and savings.

(3) A power conferred by any provision of this Act to make regulations or an order includes power to provide for a person to exercise a discretion in dealing with any matter.

(4) A statutory instrument containing—

(a) regulations under any provision of this Act, other than regulations made only under section 5(3) or 22(2), or

(b) an order under section 8(4),

may not be made unless a draft of the instrument has been laid before, and approved by a resolution of, each House of Parliament.

(5) A statutory instrument containing—

(a) regulations made only under section 5(3) or 22(2), or

(b) an order under section [F31 8B(5) or] 20(6),

is subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament.

Textual Amendments

F31 Words in s. 28(5)(b) inserted (8.5.2012) by Welfare Reform Act 2012 (c. 5), s. 150(2)(j), Sch. 13 para. 12

29 Financial provisions U.K.

There is to be paid out of money provided by Parliament—

(a) any expenditure incurred under or by virtue of this Act by a Minister of the Crown, and

(b) any increase attributable to this Act in the sums payable under any other Act out of money so provided.

30 Extent U.K.

(1) Except as provided by subsections (2) to (4), the provisions of this Act extend to England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

(2) Section 11 extends to Scotland only.

(3) Section 12 extends to Northern Ireland only.

(4) Part 2 and section 26 extend to England and Wales only.

31 Commencement U.K.

(1) This Act, except Part 2 and section 26, comes into force on the day on which this Act is passed.

(2) Part 2 and section 26 come into force at the end of the period of 2 months beginning with the day on which this Act is passed.

32 Short title U.K.

This Act may be cited as the Child Poverty Act 2010.]

SCHEDULES

[F32 SCHEDULE 1 U.K. Social Mobility and Child Poverty Commission

Textual Amendments

F32 Sch. 1 substituted (8.5.2012) by Welfare Reform Act 2012 (c. 5), s. 150(2)(j), Sch. 13 para. 3

Membership, chair and deputy chair U.K.

1 (1) The members of the Commission are to be— U.K.

(a) a chair appointed by a Minister of the Crown,

(b) a member appointed by the Scottish Ministers,

(c) a member appointed by the Welsh Ministers,

(d) after the appointed day for Northern Ireland, a member appointed by the relevant Northern Ireland department, and

(e) any other members appointed by a Minister of the Crown.

(2) A Minister of the Crown may appoint one of the members as the deputy chair.

Term of office U.K.

2 U.K. Members are to hold and vacate office in accordance with the terms of their appointment, subject to the following provisions.

3 U.K. Members must be appointed for a term of not more than five years.

4 U.K. A member may resign by giving notice in writing to a Minister of the Crown.

5 U.K. A Minister of the Crown may remove a member if—

(a) the person has been absent from three or more consecutive meetings of the Commission without its permission,

(b) the person has become bankrupt or has made an arrangement with creditors,

(c) the person's estate has been sequestrated in Scotland or the person, under Scots law, has made a composition or arrangement with, or granted a trust deed for, creditors, or

(d) the Minister is satisfied that the person is otherwise unable or unfit to perform the duties of the office.

6 U.K. A person ceases to be the chair or the deputy chair if the person—

(a) resigns that office by giving notice in writing to a Minister of the Crown, or

(b) ceases to be a member.

7 U.K. A person who holds or has held office as the chair, or as the deputy chair or other member, may be reappointed, whether or not to the same office.

Provision of staff and facilities etc U.K.

8 (1) A Minister of the Crown may provide the Commission with— U.K.

(a) such staff,

(b) such accommodation, equipment and other facilities, and

(c) such sums,

as the Minister may determine are required by the Commission in the exercise of its functions.

(2) A Minister of the Crown may, if the Commission so requests, carry out or commission research for the purpose of the carrying out of the Commission's functions.

Payments U.K.

9 U.K. A Minister of the Crown may pay to or in respect of the members of the Commission such remuneration, allowances and expenses as the Minister may determine.

Supplementary powers U.K.

10 U.K. The Commission may do anything that appears to it necessary or appropriate for the purpose of, or in connection with, the carrying out of its functions.

Status U.K.

11 U.K. The Commission is not to be regarded—

(a) as the servant or agent of the Crown, or

(b) as enjoying any status, privilege or immunity of the Crown.

Sub-committees U.K.

12 U.K. The Commission may establish sub-committees.

Validity of proceedings U.K.

13 U.K. The Commission may regulate—

(a) its own procedure (including quorum);

(b) the procedure of any sub-committee (including quorum).

14 U.K. The validity of anything done by the Commission or any sub-committee is not affected by—

(a) any vacancy in the membership of the Commission or sub-committee, or

(b) any defect in the appointment of any member of the Commission or a sub-committee.

Discharge of functions U.K.

15 U.K. The Commission may authorise a sub-committee or member to exercise any of the Commission's functions.]

Section 17

SCHEDULE 2 U.K. Continuing effect of targets after target year

Interpretation of Schedule U.K.

1 U.K. In this Schedule—

• “renewed target year” means—

  (a)

  a financial year in relation to which the Secretary of State is required by paragraph 2 to ensure that the targets are met, or

  (b)

  a financial year specified under paragraph 3(a);

• “the targets” means the targets in sections 3, 4 and 6 and, subject to paragraph 9, the target in section 5;

• “target statement”—

  (a)

  in relation to the target year, means [F33 the statement required by section 15 ], and

  (b)

  in relation to a renewed target year, means the statement required by paragraph 8.

Textual Amendments

F33 Words in Sch. 2 para. 1 substituted (8.5.2012) by Welfare Reform Act 2012 (c. 5), s. 150(2)(j), Sch. 13 para. 13(2)

Duty to maintain targets U.K.

2 U.K. If the target statement relating to the target year or a renewed target year indicates that the targets have been met in relation to that financial year, the Secretary of State must ensure that they are also met in relation to the financial year following that in which that target statement is laid before Parliament.

Duty to make regulations requiring targets to be met in specified financial year U.K.

3 U.K. If the target statement relating to the target year or a renewed target year indicates that any of the targets has not been met in relation to that financial year, the Secretary of State must make regulations under this paragraph—

(a) requiring the Secretary of State to ensure that the targets are met in relation to a later financial year specified in the regulations,

(b) requiring the Secretary of State, the Scottish Ministers and the relevant Northern Ireland department to publish strategies,

(c) requiring consultation by the Secretary of State, in relation to any strategy prepared by the Secretary of State, with the persons mentioned in section 10(4)(a) to (d) and consultation by the Scottish Ministers and the relevant Northern Ireland department, in relation to strategies prepared by them, with the persons whom they are required to consult under section 13(3)(a) to (d), and

(d) requiring [F34 the Commission] to publish annual reports on the implementation of any strategy prepared by the Secretary of State.

Textual Amendments

F34 Words in Sch. 2 para. 3(d) substituted (8.5.2012) by Welfare Reform Act 2012 (c. 5), s. 150(2)(j), Sch. 13 para. 13(3)

4 U.K. Regulations under paragraph 3 must be made as soon as reasonably practicable after the time when the target statement referred to in that paragraph is laid before Parliament.

5 U.K. Regulations under paragraph 3 may confer or impose functions on the Commission.

6 U.K. The provision that may be made by regulations under paragraph 3 includes provision corresponding to that made (in relation to financial years not later than the target year) by any of the following—

(a) sections 9 and 10 (UK strategies);

(b) sections 11, 12 and 13 (Scottish and Northern Ireland strategies);

F35 (c) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F35 (d) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F35 Sch. 2 para. 6(c)(d) repealed (8.5.2012) by Welfare Reform Act 2012 (c. 5), s. 150(2)(j), Sch. 13 para. 13(4)

Economic and fiscal circumstances U.K.

7 (1) The matters mentioned in section 16(2) must be taken into account— U.K.

(a) by the Secretary of State in preparing a strategy under regulations under paragraph 3;

F36 (b) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(2) In preparing a strategy under regulations under paragraph 3, the Scottish Ministers or the relevant Northern Ireland department must have regard to the matters mentioned in section 16(3)(a) and (b).

Textual Amendments

F36 Sch. 2 para. 7(1)(b) repealed (8.5.2012) by Welfare Reform Act 2012 (c. 5), s. 150(2)(j), Sch. 13 para. 13(4)

Statement as to whether targets are met in relation to renewed target year U.K.

8 (1) The Secretary of State must, as soon as reasonably practicable after the end of each renewed target year, lay before Parliament a statement of— U.K.

(a) the percentage of children living in qualifying households in the United Kingdom in the renewed target year who were living in households that fell within the relevant income group for the purposes of section 3 (the relative low income target);

(b) the percentage of children living in qualifying households in the United Kingdom in the renewed target year who were for the purposes of section 4 (the combined low income and material deprivation target) living in households that fell within the relevant income group and experiencing material deprivation;

(c) if the absolute low income target in section 5 applies in relation to the renewed target year, the percentage of children living in qualifying households in the United Kingdom in the renewed target year who were living in households that fell within the relevant income group for the purposes of that section;

(d) the percentage of children who have lived in qualifying households during the survey years (as defined by section 6(2)) which relate to the renewed target year who have lived in households that fell within the relevant income group for the purposes of section 6 (the persistent poverty target) in at least 3 of the survey years.

(2) The statement must be based on statistics that the Statistics Board has designated under section 12 of the Statistics and Registration Service Act 2007 (assessment) as National Statistics.

(3) Whether the targets have been met in relation to a renewed target year is to be determined by reference to the percentages given in the statement.

(4) If any of the targets has not been met, the statement must explain why it has not been met.

Power to exclude or modify absolute low income target U.K.

9 (1) Regulations may— U.K.

(a) amend the percentage specified in subsection (1) of section 5 (the absolute low income target) or the base year specified in subsection (4) of that section in their application in relation to any financial year later than the target year, or

(b) repeal section 5, and the reference to that section in section 25(3)(a).

(2) Regulations made by virtue of sub-paragraph (1)(b) do not affect the application of section 5 in relation to the target year or any other financial year before the regulations are made.