North East Mayor, Kim McGuinness, said:
"I’ve made tackling child poverty a top priority because that’s how we give everyone growing up in the North East the best start in life and a fair chance to succeed.
"We have led the way with a £28.6m action plan for our region which is already changing lives for the better, so it’s welcoming to see how committed the Government is to tackling child poverty, and that we’re working towards the same goals; increasing household incomes, reducing essential costs, and strengthening local services.
"Expanding free school meals, scrapping the two-child limit, and investing in family hubs and childcare support will boost our regional initiatives to lift children out of poverty.
"But this national strategy must only be the start. There’s more to do to address some of the issues affecting families in the North East, for example by ensuring that parents on universal credit do not face any barrier to getting help with childcare costs.
"Our action plan, built on what parents need, is the most comprehensive regional intervention of its kind in England, making childcare more affordable, making transport accessible and ensuring no child in the region goes without.
"We’ve already helped parents receive over £1.6 million in unclaimed entitlements, increased travel by young people on bus and Metro by 19% with our £1 Mayor’s Fares for everyone up to age 21, delivered nearly 2,000 baby boxes packed with the essentials new families need, and supported 230 schools with funded after-school clubs and family sessions.
"We’re already taking these bold steps to tackle child poverty in the North East, now, combining national policy with local innovation, we can create a fairer future for every child in our region, and ensure that every child is supported to thrive and achieve their potential, regardless of their background or where they live."