Since 2008, London’s population has grown by about 100,000 people a year. In 2012/13, London recorded 131,000 births and fewer than 50,000 deaths. This is a city of growth and of youth. London’s population boom is a measure of its economic and cultural success, but there
are some notable challenges that come along with this success. The current Mayoral campaign has focused on the unaffordability of housing, alongside the cost of living (high transport costs, higher childcare costs). London policy makers also face the challenge of managing increased
demand for public services: schools, health care provision and transport provision.

This report seeks to pull together the data on some of the main challenges facing children in low and middle-income families across in London. We examine key areas for families living in the capital, starting with an overview on child poverty over the last two terms of the current mayor and then moving on to housing, childcare, transport, work, health and education.

4in10 has drawn together these recommendations from practitioners and policy makers in our network of member organisations via a series of events over the last 12 months. They provide the next Mayor with a clear blue print to tackle the scourge of child poverty in the capital. As we approach 2020, the next Mayor has the opportunity to bring political will, London’s vast economic resources and co-ordinated policy making to bear on the issue of child poverty and the pressures of raising a family in the capital. It is possible to bring about change in London for the families experiencing poverty and its impact on the life chances of our youngest residents.

Download the full report No Child Left Behind.