Tackling child poverty head-on

Representatives from various organisations in the North East joined forces at the region’s inaugural Child Poverty Summit, with a mission to combat child poverty head-on.

Hosted by South Tyneside Council, the summit shed light on the child poverty landscape in the South Tyneside area and paved the way for the formation of the council’s Child Poverty Strategy. The voices of the area’s youth heavily influenced the summit, leading to the identification of key themes such as food insecurity, free school meal eligibility criteria, and the struggles faced by families and young individuals.

Cllr Tracey Dixon, the Leader of South Tyneside Council, expressed her sentiments, stating:

“The dire living conditions that many of our families endure evoke strong emotions. Shocking levels of child poverty plague our borough and region, with nearly a third of young people in South Tyneside living below the poverty line. The ramifications of this extend to various aspects of children’s lives, from low birth weights in babies to compromised physical and mental health.

“While significant efforts are underway to alleviate poverty in South Tyneside, most of the power to drive real change lies in the hands of central government. We are actively advocating for change, shifting the focus from addressing the consequences of poverty to preventing it altogether.

“The summit underscored the dedication and resolve of individuals to collaborate in tackling child poverty. The positive interventions in place, including initiatives with young people and schools, demonstrate our unwavering commitment. We’ve prioritised poverty alleviation long before the onset of the cost-of-living crisis. Through cohesive partnerships with stakeholders and the third sector, South Tyneside has made notable strides in supporting those most in need. However, we must intensify our efforts. The resounding message from the Summit is clear: together, we can combat child poverty, but change is imperative and urgent.”

Subsequent to the summit, the council has pledged to undertake several actions, including:

The Mayor of the North East, Kim McGuinness, also chimed in, asserting:

“Tackling child poverty stands as the paramount challenge in the North East and my top priority as Mayor. Poverty serves as a hindrance to families and our region’s progress. This impelled me to establish the Child Poverty Reduction Unit, which will confront this issue head-on. We are investing in affordable childcare, social housing, and quality employment opportunities to lay the groundwork for a poverty-free North East, while also ensuring that public transport remains affordable for families under financial strain.

“Nonetheless, the journey ahead is vast. South Tyneside Council and Cllr Dixon have spearheaded the crusade, showcasing the feasibility of combatting poverty and fostering opportunity through political determination, leadership, and a comprehensive strategy. This is the blueprint I intend to replicate across the North East, enabling our youth to thrive and realise their full potential.”

The summit and the forthcoming strategy are built upon the groundwork laid by the council since the establishment of its Poverty Commission in 2020. A South Tyneside Poverty Group has already been set up, resulting in a slew of support services being extended during the cost-of-living crisis.

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