Figures show 25% of Kent’s children living in poverty

Rising costs and cuts to benefits have left a quarter of children in Kent living in poverty.

Figures released by End Child Poverty show the level of deprivation is getting worse with thousands at risk of being made homeless.

Almost 95,000 youngsters in the county are growing up in families in receipt of out-of-work benefits or in-work tax credits where their reported income is less than 60% the average wage.

The worst affected area in the county is South Thanet, where 33.6% of children are classed as living below the breadline.

The lowest is Tonbridge and Malling, where 17.33% young people are part of low-income families.

In Ashford, the number of children in poverty was 6,401, with 23.29% of children in low income families.

Campaigners are calling on the government to use the upcoming Autumn Statement to end the freeze on child benefits and reverse sharp cuts to in-work benefits.

There are fears that the harsher rules could lead to more families being made homeless and forced to move away from their children’s friends and schools.

The total amount of benefits a household can receive was this week cut from £26,000 to £20,000, which will leave some families up to £115 a week worse off.

Sam Royston, chairman of End Child Poverty, which is a collection of charities, faith groups and unions, says families are already struggling to manage.

He added: “In every community, there are children being denied happy childhoods and good starts in life that other children are taking for granted.

“Our children are now twice as likely to be as poor as our pensioners.

“Many families who are just about managing today, won’t be tomorrow, as rising costs means their money doesn’t stretch as far as it used to.”

Across Kent, 25% of children are living in poverty, above the regional average of 21%.

Nationally there are an estimated 3.5 million cases, with rates highest in big cities including London, Birmingham and Manchester.

What do you think? Write to Kentish Express, 34-36 North Street, Ashford TN24 8JR or email kentishexpress@thekmgroup.co.uk

Posed stock picture According to End Child Poverty 23.29% of children in Ashford come from low-income families