Autumn Budget 2025: Will it improve child health?

The Food Foundation response to the Autumn Budget

The government laid out measures to tackle the cost of living in today's Autumn Budget.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced the removal of the two-child benefit limit, which is estimated will benefit more than half a million families.

It comes as the government earlier announced the strengthening the soft drinks levy alongside previous commitments to extend support through school food and Healthy Start.

But is it enough to reduce child poverty and improve children’s health?

Hannah Brinsden, The Food Foundation's Head of Policy and Advocacy, said: “The decision to scrap the two-child limit is welcome and will lift thousands of children out of poverty.

"Our data consistently shows that larger families are hit hardest by food insecurity — in June, 21% of households with four children were food insecure, compared with 14% of those with two. Food insecurity drives down purchases of healthy food and fuels the poor health and inequalities we see across the country.

"Today’s commitments — removing the two-child limit, strengthening the soft drinks levy - and previous commitments to extend support through school food and Healthy Start — are vital steps towards reducing child poverty and improving children’s health.

"We are now looking towards the Child Poverty Strategy and a clear 10-year plan to tackle poverty and food insecurity.

"The rise in the minimum wage is also welcome amid soaring living costs, including a 30% jump in food prices since 2022. "But it still falls short of what’s needed: the lowest-income families with children would have to spend 70% of their disposable income to afford a healthy diet. Government should keep wages under review as the cost of living continues to rise." 

• You can get more analysis of the Budget in our next podcast, available from 12pm on Friday (December 5) - listen here