Single Parent Households
Single parents with children are more likely to experience poverty than any other type of household.
In London, 47 per cent of single parents were in poverty in 2022–23, compared with 25 per cent of couples with children (Trust for London, 2024). The social security system places single parents in an invidious position, facing huge pressure to work but without providing the access to childcare support that is needed to make that possible.
On top of this, single parents frequently encounter discrimination that increases their risk of poverty—whether in the private rented housing market, in employment, or through higher costs and charges, such as when businesses fail to offer single-parent deals.
Calls to Action
We support 4in10 member, Single Parents Rights campaign calling on the Government to add single parents as a protected characteristic to the Equality Act
Local authorities should provide training for staff, including housing officers and provide employers with guidance on supporting single parents.
Campaign
Two London Councils, Southwark and Hackney have passed motions of support for Single Parents Rights campaign to add single parents as a protected characteristic in the Equality Act. FInd out more here.
