Yorkshire districts at highest risk of poverty, says analysis
HALIFAX AND Dewsbury are among marginal constituencies where residents are at the highest risk of poverty, according to new analysis from a respected thinktank.
The Joseph Rowntree Foundation highlighted the issue as it called for the General Election to focus on how to spread prosperity to all parts of the country.
The York-based think-tank identified the 100 constituencies with the highest poverty risk including Bradford East and Bradford West.
Halifax and Dewsbury, Labourheld seats that are both targets for the Conservatives at the coming election, also feature on the list.
The foundation’s chief executive Campbell Robb said: “Our analysis shows poverty affects every constituency in Britain, from Conservative districts to Labour industrial heartlands.
“It means millions of people, including working families, are struggling to make ends meet.
“This election campaign needs to be go beyond Brexit and ensure prosperity and opportunity reach all corners of the country.
“The next government has a historic opportunity to transform the prospects of the UK, but there is a danger Brexit negotiations could suck the oxygen out of the reforms we badly need to see at home. Over the next Parliament, the focus should be on making sure that people can improve their prospects and get on at work, that pay and productivity rise in all parts of the UK, and people’s incomes keep pace with the cost of essentials.”
He added: “The vote to leave the EU highlighted the deep divisions that exist across the UK, with too many people and places left behind by the country’s economic success.
“The parties must use their manifestos to address these concerns.”
Bradford West and Doncaster Central feature on the list of constituencies with the lowest fulltime wages.
Bradford East, Bradford West and Leeds East are also highlighted in the foundation’s new analysis as among the constituencies which have the highest proportion of workers with low skill levels.
The foundation is calling for a “better deal” for those parts of the UK that have been left behind along with better support for those adults who want to improve their skills.
Too many people and places left behind by economic success. Joseph Rowntree Foundation’s chief executive Campbell Robb.