Calderdale Council’s child poverty numbers “deeply disturbing”

A COUNCILLOR says Calderdale’s child poverty figures are “deeply disturbing”.

Like Kirklees, 20% of Calderdale children live in low-income households and one Calderdale councillor says she’s determined the authority should focus its efforts on raising opportunities.

Poverty in Calderdale’s Lower Valley varies – Brighouse has 14% of its children living in poverty, there are 18% in Elland, 11% in Greetland and Stainland, 9% in Hipperholme and Lightcliffe and 15% in Rastrick.

Labour’s Clr Megan Swift said: “The report shows that 20% of Calderdale children – that’s one in five – lives in a low-income household.

“Poverty shortens lives, and limits people’s opportunities.

“Children in poorer families are more likely to suffer chronic diseases, more likely to die in an accident, and are likely to leave school at 16 with fewer qualifications.

“The previous Labour government adopted a target to eliminate child poverty and progress was being made.

“I’m concerned that the cuts in working family tax credits, and threats to services such as Surestart, will undermine the good work and take us backwards.

“I’m determined that Calderdale Council does all it can to focus on raising opportunities for all children, but especially those living in the most challenging circumstances.”