PARLIAMENTARY DEBATE
Child Poverty - 16 April 2026 (Commons/Commons Chamber)

I call Marsha De Cordova.

Mr Speaker, it always feels like I am getting my exercise in at Church questions!

Through community programmes, the Church provides a significant contribution to the local economy, amounting to around £55 billion. That includes food banks, warm spaces, credit unions, school clubs and other forms of family support. The Church recently welcomed the Government’s decision to end the two-child benefit cap, and I know that in my hon. Friend’s constituency 6,200 children will be lifted out of poverty as a result.

Child poverty is a major concern in my east London constituency, and faith and community organisations play an incredibly important part in providing support. While my constituency is very much multi-faith, the Church continues to play a hugely important part through its churches, schools, community facilities and experience. Can my hon. Friend assure me that the Church will continue to work across faiths, and with community and charity organisations, to make sure that that network of support, on which so many families in need in my constituency rely, remains strong and is there when they need it?

That is an excellent question from my hon. Friend. Yes, the Church works continuously to develop local churches together and interfaith networks, encouraging all faith communities to work collaboratively to support local communities, and building support and strong networks. A good example of that is Church schools, such as those in my hon. Friend’s constituency. They are community schools that offer opportunities to thousands of children each day through their vision for education, “life in all its fullness”, which is about ensuring that all children are supported to study, discover their talents, and grow and meet their full potential.

I thank the Church Commissioner for her energetic contributions in answering all the questions this morning. They are appreciated by every one of us.

To tackle child poverty, St Mark’s parish church in Newtownards in my constituency has a raft of programmes, but I know that the volunteers take a well-deserved break in the summer. Are there any plans for specialised youth clubs during the summer holidays to provide a safe, welcoming place for young people to meet that parents can afford to utilise, so addressing the issue of child poverty?

I thank the hon. Gentleman for all his contributions at Church questions. I hope he does not mind if I write to update him on what takes place over the summer.