MP hits out over children living in poverty

AN estimated 10,170 children are living in families claiming Universal Credit in Warrington North, according to research carried out by The Children’s Society.
Around 4,600 children live in families with debt problems – and the total amount of arrears owed by families in problem debt is £12,354,000.
The figures have been condemned by Warrington North MP Helen Jones as “shocking.”
She said: “This report belies the government’s claim to be on the side of working people and their families.”
According to The Children’s Society there are around 5,300 children in Warrington North living in families which have faced energy debt.
Some 4,550 children are going to school in incorrect, ill-fitting or unclean uniform as a result of cost – the amount spent on school uniform by families in Warrington is £8,167,000.
There are 750 children who have been registered as being in need because of abuse and neglect in Warrington.
And there has been a 58 per cent decrease in early intervention grant to Warrington Council between 2010 and 2015.
Ms Jones said: “We need to hear a clear message from the government that they will set out a long term spending plan for children’s services and not cut vital grants such as early intervention funding to councils.
“ There are 3,153 children living in in-work poverty in my constituency.  This means that for too many families,  a move into work is not a move out of poverty.
“Debt is a huge problem with energy costs and even school uniform costs adding significantly to the problem.  Children in families in energy debt are three times more likely to have damp or mould in their homes and to have been ill last winter and twice as likely to have breathing problems than other children.
“Children are bullied or sent home because of wearing incorrect uniform. The extortionate costs of school uniform often mean parents have to cut back on basic essentials such as food and heating to meet uniform costs.
“A simple answer would be for government to make guidance on school uniforms statutory so schools have a legally binding commitment to keep uniforms affordable.
“If the government goes ahead with its plan to cut working tax credits they will be pushing more children into poverty.
“They should abandon this idea and support families who are doing the right thing and trying to make a better life for their children.”