Almost a quarter of children in relative poverty in St Helens

Published last month, statistics from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) showed that around 4.45 million children were living in relative poverty in the year to April 2024, after housing costs were deducted.

With experts saying that housing costs, low wages, and insufficient benefits are driving the crisis, the Save the Children charity described the figures as a "source of national shame" as around three in ten children are now living in poverty across the UK.

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St Helens figures

Showing the number of children living in relative poverty and absolute poverty between 2015 and 2024, the DWP figures show that 7,923 children were described as being in relative poverty in St Helens.

Relative poverty is defined as low income households earning 60 percent below the median average before housing costs, that has claimed child benefit and at least one other household benefit such as Universal Credit. 

At 24.1% of all children across St Helens borough, this is the highest recorded figure over the ten year period, and an increase of more than 2,500 extra children compared with the figures in 2015.

Additionally, the DWP figures show that 6,684 (20.3%) children were living in absolute poverty in St Helens.

Absolute poverty is described similarly to relative poverty, but the income is compared with the median income in 2011.

Across the United Kingdom, the DWP reports that 21.8% of children were living in relative poverty and 18.7% of children were living in absolute poverty in 2024.

This highlights that there are a higher percentage of children living in poverty in St Helens compared with the national average.

And while these statistics are shocking, the Joseph Rowntree Foundation reported that child poverty figures rose as high as 35% in St Helens in 2023, after housing costs were taken into account.

'Disgraceful' rises in child poverty

David Baines said that the child poverty rises are 'disgraceful' (Image: David Baines MP) With MP for St Helens North, David Baines, previously raising this issue in Parliament, he said: "St Helens North faces alarming levels of child poverty, with recent data showing that under the Tories it rose by 50%. 

"It is disgraceful that it increased from 2,716 children in 2015 to 4,114 in 2023 in St Helens North. 

"The situation has been directly raised by me in PMQs to the Prime Minister, highlighting the devastating impact this has on children's development, educational opportunities, and long-term prospects. 

"These shocking statistics reflect deep-rooted economic challenges and inadequate support for vulnerable families in the region that we were elected on to change in July.

Poverty levels have been rising across the country (Image: PA) "The government is committed to implementing a comprehensive strategy to address child poverty in St Helens North. 

"Our approach includes significant investment in local infrastructure to create sustainable employment opportunities, expanding access to affordable childcare to support working parents, enhancing educational resources in disadvantaged areas, and increasing direct financial support to families in need.

"We aim to substantially reduce the unacceptably high child poverty rates in St Helens North, ensuring every child has the opportunity to thrive regardless of their background.

"The Labour government's Child Poverty Taskforce, co-chaired by the Education Secretary and the Work and Pensions Secretary, shows that we are taking this issue seriously.

The taskforce is currently asking for evidence from relevant groups, charities and individuals, and I encourage anyone in St Helens North with an interest in this subject to contact childpoverty.secretariat@cabinetoffice.gov.uk and help us to end this scandal". 

'Number one priority' to give children best start in life

St Helens Council said that giving children the best start in life is its number one priority (Image: St Helens Council) Previously speaking about the issue of child poverty, Councillor Nova Charlton, St Helens Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said: “As a council, our number one priority is to ensure all children and young people have the best possible start in life as evidenced in our recent Public Health Annual Report.

"[This] shows our commitment to improving the health and wellbeing of children, and demonstrated how our local offer for families reflects what children need to thrive and succeed.

“We are not alone in seeing financial hardship affect local households, with many families across the region feeling the pressure, which is why public health directors across Cheshire and Merseyside, have come together with a bold ambition that no child should be living in poverty.

“The range of services we deliver for families has grown positively in recent years, from the Holiday Activity and Food programme (HAF) during most school breaks, to initiatives like Cradle to Career and Early Help.

“Through our ever-increasing Family Hub and Healthy Start offer we are working with a range of partners including Mobile Food Pantries, Department for Work and Pensions, library services, YMCA, Home Start and many more to provide services and support that local families need. 

"All activities are free and are available throughout the week, with extended opening hours to support those who are working.

“And in addition to the work we’re doing here in the borough, we’re supporting residents to access the Government’s Household Support Fund locally, for those who are struggling to afford energy, food, water and other essentials.

“We are also calling on Government to expand free school meals and review the eligibility criteria so that more children can access them, easing the burden on households and helping to alleviate food insecurity and poverty, while supporting good nutrition and improving health and learning.”