According to figures produced today by the End Child Poverty coalition and based on Government data, child poverty in Salford has risen from 20.7% in 2014/15 to 24% in the year 2018/19, a rise of 3.3%.
While child poverty has increased, the coalition of seventy UK charities, faith groups, unions and community organisations, believes that with the fall out from coronavirus, the worst is yet to come, "leaving growing numbers of children facing the devastating effects..."
The End Child Poverty coalition "fears the issues will continue to deepen as the virus pulls more and more families below the poverty line", and is calling on the Government to take action.
"These figures show that future generations are being let down by a continued failure to stop the rising levels of child poverty across not only the North West, but the whole of the UK" says Mark Russell, Chief Executive of The Children's Society.
"We know that without further action the current pandemic is only going to exacerbate this issue, leaving even more families struggling with poverty, hunger and hardship" he explains "It is vital the Government ensures local authorities are able to be there for those with nowhere else to turn. More investment must be given so local councils can deliver well-funded and robust emergency assistance schemes which provide a financial safety net for those in crisis."
Anna Feuchtwang, Chair of End Child Poverty and Chief Executive of the National Children's Bureau, adds: "We may all be experiencing the storm of coronavirus together, but we are not all in the same boat. The Government's data shows the extent to which over the past four years, children in low income families have been cut adrift and are already experiencing unacceptable hardship through cuts and freezes to the benefits system.
"Our country's children are now at severe risk of being swept deeper into poverty as a result of the pandemic and lockdown" she insists "This is why we are asking the Government to strengthen the social security system which is there to hold us steady during tough times, by immediately increasing household income for those least well-off. Ending child poverty must be at the heart of the Government's plan for economic recovery, so that when this crisis is over all children can enjoy a life free from poverty in which they are healthy, can thrive at school and have opportunities for the future."
Meanwhile, last night, the Salford Credit Union decided to scrap its £3 membership fee "to remove the barrier of Salford people short of money during the coronavirus crisis" and is also allowing people up to three months to start repayments on loans of up to £500.
"This is an attempt to combat the activities of illegal money lenders and loan sharks, and to help Salford people to survive in this current crisis" says Alec McFadden Company Secretary of Salford Credit Union.
For more details on joining the Salford Credit Union – click here
For more details on the End Child Poverty campaign – click here
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