Children in England’s Poorest Areas Falling Behind by Age Five, Says UNICEF UK
Children living in the most deprived areas of England are significantly less likely to reach key developmental milestones by the age of five, according to a new report by UNICEF UK, which is calling on the government to scrap the two-child benefit cap.
The UN agency’s analysis examined all local authorities in England, mapping deprivation levels against early childhood health and education indicators such as oral health, weight, and A&E visits.
Findings revealed a stark divide: children in England’s most disadvantaged areas are more than twice as far from meeting the government’s goal of 75% of young children achieving a “good level of development” by age five, compared with those in wealthier areas. The five local authorities with the highest levels of deprivation—Blackpool, Knowsley, Liverpool, Kingston upon Hull, and Middlesbrough—ranked in the bottom 20% for five out of six measures of child wellbeing.
The report also highlighted deep health inequalities. Obesity among reception-aged children is over twice as high in deprived areas (12.9%) as in more affluent ones (6%). Rates of untreated tooth decay are similarly disproportionate, with 29% of young children affected in the most deprived areas, compared to 15% in the least deprived. Additionally, babies and young children in poorer communities are 55% more likely to visit A&E than those in wealthier areas.
UNICEF UK is urging the government to lift the two-child benefit cap, arguing it would be a critical step in reducing child poverty and improving access to essential health and education services in early childhood.
Philip Goodwin, CEO of UNICEF UK, warned of the long-term consequences:
“Poverty’s impact on children can last a lifetime, especially in the earliest years. Our analysis shows the devastating scale of inequality. It’s unacceptable that by age five, children in deprived areas are more likely to fall behind at school, suffer from obesity, live with untreated dental pain, and be admitted to hospital.”
He continued: “The government must act immediately—ending the two-child limit and investing in the vital services that support young children. Every delay risks condemning hundreds of thousands of children to poverty and its lifelong effects.”
Sarah Woolnough, CEO of the King’s Fund, echoed the urgency:
“This report is a stark reminder that rising child poverty is fuelling worsening health outcomes. The health of our future population is shaped in childhood. Without action, today’s children facing poor health are likely to become tomorrow’s unwell adults.”
She added, “To create ‘the healthiest generation of children ever’, the government must prioritise tackling deprivation alongside NHS reforms. Local services need greater and more equitable investment to meet the needs of children. Ignoring this will have serious long-term consequences—not only for families but for the economy and the health system as a whole.”
In Parliament last week, Labour leader Keir Starmer said he was “absolutely determined” to “drive down” child poverty when questioned about the two-child benefit cap, ahead of the government’s upcoming strategy announcement.
A government spokesperson responded:
“We are taking action to reduce child poverty through our dedicated taskforce and are working to address health disparities across the country. Our initiatives include free breakfast clubs, increased pupil premium funding for disadvantaged students, and plans to extend free school meals to all children in households on Universal Credit.”
