Chamber comment on NE Child Poverty Commission figures
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Marianne O Sullivan, policy manager, North East England Chamber of Commerce said: “The North East Child Poverty Commission has released alarming figures showing that overall child poverty rates in the North East have risen by almost half, from 26% to 38% in six years. This increase is during a time when child poverty fell slightly, by 2% across the country and means our region now has the highest rate nationally.
“If we’re to address challenges for businesses such as the skills gap and long-term health problems in the region, we need to tackle this issue. We need to see the levelling up agenda used to ensure children in the North East are able to access the same opportunities as others.
“Looking ahead to the Autumn Budget we will need to see action from the Government to support the most vulnerable households with energy price rises and improving access to free childcare.”