A new plan to tackle the “ticking timebomb” of poverty across the district will be put before Kirklees councillors this week.
Cabinet members Clr Viv Kendrick and Clr Cathy Scott have led the preparation of the plan which looks at the whole issue of poverty which affects a third of households in Kirklees – its causes and the long and short term solutions.
The strategy will be discussed at full council on Wednesday.
Clr Kendrick said: “The issue is huge and if it is not properly tacked in a co-ordinated way it becomes the ticking time bomb that we cannot afford to have to deal with in the future.
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“Some of the solutions that will make a difference are as simple as making sure people know what they are entitled to. Others require a longer term change that is not in our own hands and will need us to campaign for changes in legislation.”
The Tackling Poverty in Kirklees strategy provides a focus for practical help for those already suffering and those at risk of falling into difficulties.
Clr Scott said: “It concentrates mainly on the things we can influence and do as a local authority and the most important part of it is the action plan.
“We know household budgets are under massive pressure and any sudden changes to income or benefits can have a huge impact. We also know that many people in low to middle income bands are struggling with their finances.
“This is not about people who could be accused of not wanting to work – more than half of people experiencing poverty now live in working households.
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“The figures are shocking. One in three households in Kirklees is in poverty – including 18,000 children – and a quarter of adults in the district say they worry about money.”
Council officers are working on a new credit union – following the collapse of Castle and Minster Credit Union a year ago – and work is taking place to ensure people receive the money they are entitled to.
Longer term plans include addressing the root causes of poverty through education, employment, parenting and understanding basic finance. Kirklees Council has agreed to pay the living wage along with other West Yorkshire authorities.
Clr Kendrick added: “We are well aware that this is not an easy task, but if we can agree, as a whole council, policies that prevent people sliding into trouble while putting in place the building blocks that improve life chances, we will make steps towards escaping poverty in a sustainable way.”
