A recent 2008 Child Poverty Report released by the City Council of Swansea indicates 3.9 million children in the UK live in poverty. Nearly one half of these kids are in Wales (Cymru).
Relative Poverty Rates Highest in Wales
In Wales, the smallest of Britain’s mainland countries, twenty-five percent of all children live below 60% of the net average of all British incomes.
This means an estimated 170 000 kids suffer in Wales- a number that is increasing at a faster rate than anywhere else in the UK.
Poverty Damages Children
According to Huw Lewis, the Chair of the Assembly Government’s Child Poverty Expert Group who spoke at a recent University of Wales conference:
“Child poverty damages people. They suffer from low income, low education and achievement, poor health and housing conditions and ultimately live in wreaked communities.”
Blair’s Pledge to Fight Poverty
Ten years ago Prime Minister Tony Blair made a commitment to reduce child poverty in the UK. His goal was to half the number by 2012 and to eliminate it completely by 2020.
Between 1999-2006 improvements were made. Rates dropped from 200, 000 to 170, 000.
Since the economic downturn, progress has halted. Loss of jobs and diminished social funds leave many (two parent/two child) families in Wales to survive off a £312 weekly income.
Poverty is Inherited
The main indicator for child poverty is a child born into these conditions. Child poverty is like “an inheritable condition, it spreads like a genetic disease,” explained Lewis.
Poverty is not only about money and it does not just affect a marginalized group. Everyone pays for the damage it does to a community and to a nation.
Long-term Effects of Poverty
For some youth the experience of living in poverty can never be repaired later in life. It may have long-term physical and psychological affects.
Poverty lowers expectations and self esteem, leaving individuals less able to contribute to society. This breaks down social cohesion, affects health and impacts their education. While there is no direct link between poverty and crime, there is a link between crime and lack of education.
Who is Responsible for Child Poverty?
Aside from Westminster and the National Assembly of Wales, child poverty can be reduced on a local level.
Providing access to social and higher educational programs within the communities are essential. However local governments must also reach out to promote social inclusion by encouraging all communities and individuals to take advantage of services and bursaries.
