The North East currently has the second highest child poverty rate in the country. 18% of children live in ‘food insecure’ households, and 69% of families are estimated to have zero or limited savings.
NECPC estimates that 63% of children living in poverty are in families who face at least one significant barrier to working or taking on extra work. However, the number of children living in poverty from working households has also sharply increased. In households where all parents work, the proportion of children living in poverty has doubled to 21.5%. A working mother, whose partner is also in work, is quoted in the report: “I feel like I have an alright job […] why do I have my head in my hands every month worrying about how I’m going to manage the costs of everything?”
The report also draws attention to striking inequalities within the region. In the North East Mayoral Combined Authority area, Elswick and North Jesmond – both in Newcastle – have the highest and lowest respective child poverty rates, with a 55% difference. Even starker, in the Tees Valley Combined Authority area, the difference in rates between Newport and Mowden is 62%.
"The report also draws attention to striking inequalities within the region."
The report, titled ‘No Time To Wait,’ emphasises the urgency of the commission’s findings, compiled with research from cross-sector organisations, parents, carers, and young people, Whilst acknowledging the central role of national government in reducing child poverty, the report calls upon local government to pursue a ‘public health approach’ to the problem. The report’s main priority is therefore ‘securing a region-wide anti-poverty commitment.’
Actionable recommendations include work to maximise family incomes, based on findings that unclaimed benefits and social tariffs amount to £1.33 billion across the North East. Further steps include the expansion of free school meals and increased Living Wage provision.
Chair of the NECPC project advisory group Baroness Hilary Armstrong said that the report “contained some shocking truths,” and emphasised the collective responsibility to move beyond this shock and “ensure we all take action.”