The Labour government took office in Britain in May 1997 promising policy change across a wide range of areas. The question is whether the government's rhetoric has translated into actual policy, and if so, what is the nature of that policy, and what impact is it having on families? This article assesses the Labour government's record over the past four years. The first section is contextual, giving a brief outline of some of the key changes affecting families in the UK in recent years. The second and third sections give an overview of the main policy measures introduced, and examine one area in particular - the pledge to end child poverty. In the conclusion, the author raises some issues about the nature of emerging family policies in Britain.