One-in-three London children living in poverty, charity warns

Y O

2 years ago

A third of children in London, some 600,000 youngsters, are living in poverty, according to a charity.

The End Child Poverty coalition said the figures for 2020-21 highlighted how many families cannot afford the essentials.

With the cost of living continuing to rise, parents are being urged not to attempt to hide financial difficulties from children.

The government said it was providing extra support for struggling families.

More than half of children growing up in Tower Hamlets were found to be living in poverty, while the figure was more than 40% in five other London boroughs – Barking and Dagenham, Greenwich, Hackney, Newham and Waltham Forest. That is compared to a national average of 27%.

The government said it was providing extra support for struggling families, including the first of two cost of living instalments of £650 from Thursday, as part of a £37bn government package

A spokesperson said: “We recognise people are struggling with rising prices which is why we are protecting the eight million most vulnerable families with at least £1,200 of direct payments, starting this week.

“All households will receive the £400 energy payments and 80% will get a £150 council tax rebate.

“Vulnerable families in England are also being supported by the government’s Household Support Fund – which was boosted by £500m – to help pay for essentials.”