The National Children’s Bureau (NCB) has warned that the government’s ambition to improve the lives of disadvantaged children risks being derailed by Reeves’ cuts, announced in Wednesday’s spring statement.

A Department for Work and Pensions analysis, published this week, predicts that the combined effect of these reforms will push tens of thousands of children deeper into poverty and make life harder for millions more, the NCB said.

The NCB is calling on the Chancellor to address this in June’s Spending Review by building on existing one-year funding promises, ensuring families get the urgent help they need through properly funded services and a fairer benefits system.

Laura Cunliffe-Hall, head of policy and public affairs at UK Youth, called the statement a “worrying indication of things to come for young people,” adding: “The government’s mission to break down barriers to opportunity will fail if young people needing welfare support are short changed at every turn.”