The Government's Child Poverty Strategy was announced in December with the aim of lifting half a million children out of poverty by 2030.

Education Committee chair Helen Hayes said: ‘The Government's new Child Poverty Strategy is a positive step towards righting this wrong. But does it go far enough? It is crucial that this strategy contains measures which will genuinely change the lives of children and families and in particular lift children out of the very deepest poverty, rather than focusing solely on those who are easiest to help. Through our inquiry, we will work together to examine the ambition contained in this vital plan.'

One in three children (4.5m) in the UK are currently below the poverty line.

The Government estimates scrapping the two-child benefit limit from April will lift around 450,000 out of poverty by 2029. Other measures in the Child Poverty Strategy are expected to lift a further 100,000 children out of poverty.

The strategy aims to boost family incomes, reduce the costs and strengthen support locally to reduce child poverty. Other measures include free school meals, extending funded childcare entitlements to working parents and investing in Family Hubs.

Critics have argued the strategy lacks binding targets, however. The MPs will also consider how the Government should work with the UK's devolved governments to set targets and assess the success of the strategy.