Over 200,000 children living in severe poverty

OVER 200,000 children living in the North West are living in severe poverty, going without basic essentials including warm clothes and food.

New research from Save the Children has found that severe child poverty throughout the UK dramatically increased even before the recession, during a boom in the UK’s economy, with an additional 260,000 children throughout the country pushed into severe poverty taking the UK total to 1.7 million.  The new research, Measuring Severe Child Poverty in the UK, reveals that 13% of the UK’s children are now living in severe poverty and shows that efforts to reduce child poverty have not only stalled but have slid into reverse.

England accounts for most of the UK increase in severe child poverty with over 1.5 million children now living in families that earn 50% below the average UK income and missing out on daily essentials such as enough food and clothes. Wales has 96,000, Scotland 95,000 and Northern Ireland 43,000 children currently living in severe poverty.  London has the biggest proportion of children living in severe poverty accounting for around 20% of all children living in severe poverty in the UK – over 300,000 children.

The report also reveals that single parents and those out of work are those most likely to be living in severe poverty. Almost half of children in severe poverty were in single parent families and the same number in families claiming job seekers allowance (50%).  The recession is likely to have increased severe poverty by a further 100,000 children but rises in tax credits and benefits are expected to have bought the numbers back down to pre-recession figures. However, as unemployment continues to climb, there is a real danger that the number of children living in severe poverty could still rise even higher.

Fergus Drake, Save the Children Director of UK programmes, said:- “It’s shocking that at a time when the country was experiencing unprecedented levels of wealth the number of children living in severe poverty – we’re talking about children going without a winter coat, a bed and other day-to-day essentials – actually increased.  Measures introduced by the Government in the last 2 years have managed to prevent the numbers spiralling even higher but with unemployment expected to rise there is a danger that severe child poverty will increase even further.”

The report also reveals that Pakistani, Bangladeshi and black African children are around 3 times more likely to be in severe poverty than white children. However, white British children still make up the majority of children living in severe poverty (over 70%). 

Radical changes are needed to help families most at risk of severe poverty by boosting incomes and ensuring they can find sustainable work that pays enough.  Save the Children is calling for government support to cover 100% of childcare costs for parents on working tax credit as well as better support for parents wanting to take part time work and more training opportunities, especially for lone parents.

Mr Drake continued:- “The Government has failed to focus its attention on the children who need help the most. We need support on a radically bigger scale to be targeted at those living in severe poverty to help them get back into work. Without that focus the government will continue to tread water on tackling the unacceptably high numbers of children living in families whose lives are being destroyed by poverty."

In the run up to the general election Save the Children also wants to see any investment announcements focus on those who need it most rather than tax break announcements or benefit cuts that will have no direct impact on tackling severe poverty.

Pedal It Pink Returns To Liverpool For 2010

FOLLOWING the success of the 2009 event, Breast Cancer Campaign’s Pedal it Pink is returning to Liverpool in April 2010. The women-only cycle ride, sponsored by Santander, has now gone nationwide but organisers and participants are especially excited about the prospect of returning to the site where Pedal it Pink first began; in Sefton Park.  Over 700 women dusted off their bikes to take part in the first Pedal it Pink and there are hopes of increasing this number in 2010.

One woman that is determined to take part again is Diane Alderton from Allerton, who completed Pedal it Pink last year after she was diagnosed with breast cancer in October 2007.  After having a mastectomy followed by reconstruction and chemotherapy, Diane is now on the road to recovery. She said:- “I did the half marathon and absolutely loved it! The atmosphere was fantastic and the beautiful sunshine on the day was an added bonus! It was great to see lots of women cycling for this very worthwhile cause and I’m stunned by the generosity of those who sponsored me £1,000! I can’t wait to head back to Sefton Park this year and do it all again.”

Someone else who was in the starting line up last year was Olympic cycling champion, Victoria Pendleton, who is an ambassador of Pedal it Pink and took part in the Liverpool event with her mum. She said:- “I really enjoyed the event, it was refreshing not to ride on a road for a change. It was so good to see so many women out there supporting such a great cause and everyone was really supportive of one another, clapping and cheering each other on. What a great way to spend a sunny Sunday afternoon!”

Pedal it Pink has a variety of cycle routes to choose from so there is something to suit all abilities. Beginners can opt for the family 5K lap (which is also open to the men and children in your life) and those wishing to push themselves that little bit further can select either a half (13.1miles) or full (26.2miles) marathon distance. All routes are completely enclosed within the park, so it’s safe, traffic-free and suitable for all existing and aspiring cyclists.

Samantha Gold, Senior Events Manager at Breast Cancer Campaign said:- “We have raised over £100,000 so far through Pedal it Pink and would like to encourage you to help us continue to add to this amount by joining us for the second Liverpool event. Not only is cycling a great way to stay fit but the challenge of the event is sure to make it a fun day out for friends and family with all proceeds going to a very worthwhile cause.”

If you would like to register for one of the Pedal it Pink rides and help put the brakes on breast cancer, please visit breastcancercampaign.org,  email or call 020 7749 3700.

Cycling is a great form of cardiovascular exercise, which helps to burn fat and if done regularly contributes to a healthy lifestyle. Cycling is also great for toning leg muscles and can burn up to 500 calories an hour.