Cllr Mhairi Doyle, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing has welcomed today’s publication of the Government’s National Child Poverty Strategy.

Work in Cheshire & Merseyside recognised

Cllr Doyle said: “The measures included in the Government’s new Strategy mean that over ½ million children and young people experiencing poverty, a significant number of whom are living in Sefton, will benefit.”

Cllr Doyle also said she was pleased that the strategy recognises the work of the Champs Public Health Collaborative. Led by the nine Directors of Public Health in Cheshire & Merseyside and NHS Director of Population Health, the Collaborative has recently published an independent situational analysis and a comprehensive strategic framework for action to tackle child poverty.

Future prospects and opportunities can be limited

Cllr Doyle continued: “Poverty has a negative effect on children and young people’ educational that can stay with them throughout their lives. It can limit their future prospects and opportunities, and we are committed to tackling it in Sefton.

“Our Child Poverty Strategy, which focuses on the themes of ‘pockets, prospects and places’ has already been recognised as an example of good practice and is now included on University College London’s Institute of Health Equity website.

“And, importantly, it has successfully gained support from a wide range of partners and stakeholders across all sectors committed to changing the way we do things in Sefton.”

Challenges

“In March, we announced we are working with Children North East on an initiative to poverty-proof the school day by highlighting to teachers and school staff, the challenges faced by students living in poverty.

“By the end of January, 26 schools will be taking part in the programme, which highlights ‘hidden’ costs such as ingredients for cookery and food technology lessons, fees for activities such as music lessons, school trips and photos and events that involve dressing up or dressing down.

“And just last month we highlighted how by ‘crunching’ available data, we have identified 130 additional children in Sefton who are now receiving free school meals.”

Very positive steps

Cllr Doyle added: “The changes announced recently in the budget and in today’s national strategy are very positive steps to raising children out of poverty.

“It is a huge issue, and we will continue to work with the Government and our other partners to do all we can to support those families in Sefton who are affected.”

You can find out more about Sefton Council's work to combat Child Poverty here.