New Report reveals that 1 in 3 Children in Dudley live in poverty
Ryan Priest, Liberal Democrat spokesperson in Cradley, is calling on the government to make child poverty a greater priority following a damming report from the UK's leading Child Poverty Campaign group.
The report, published by the End Child Poverty Coalition, has revealed that child poverty is rising across the UK, and is affecting over a third of children in the Dudley Borough.
Priest said "It is absolutely disgusting that in the 21st century one of the wealthiest countries in the world can have such a high level of poverty. The Government's own reports have shown for years now that poverty is steadily rising, but they have done nothing to stop it. I knew the situation was bad, but to find out that Cradley, my own community, is not just over the national average, but also one the worst affected areas in Dudley, it's heartbreaking."
"Liberal Democrats since 2017 have been the only major party fighting to reverse cuts to child tax credits."
Child Poverty has been shown to have a large effect on both a child's health and education, and in turn reduces their chance of finding well paid work later in life.
"Poverty is circular, once a young person falls into its grip it too easily becomes generational, and incredibly difficult to escape from, for too many, it is a part of life" said Priest.
Data gathered by the End Child Poverty coalition also showed that child poverty rises more quickly in areas like Dudley where rates of poverty are already high, which increases inequality between regions.
Ryan Priest, and the Dudley Liberal Democrats are backing the End Child Poverty coalition's proposals to government which include ending the two-child limit on child allowances and reforming universal credit, as well as reversing cuts to mental health, education, and social care.