MORE than 5,000 children in Southend were living in poverty before the Covid pandemic, with charities fearing the number could increase even further. Figures show 5,670 children in Southend aged under 16 were living in families with low incomes in 2019-20 - 15.8 per cent of all youngsters in the area. Although this was down slightly from 16 per cent the year before, it was above the 14 per cent seen in 2014-15, when records began. Families are included if they have claimed child benefit alongside another means of support, such as Universal Credit, tax credits or housing benefit. Natasha Copus, project manager at Southend Foodbank, fears numbers could rise further once furlough has ended, stressing the importance of reaching those in “hidden poverty”.
THE past year has been nothing but challenging, with many facing struggles financially, with our mental health and working from home. Nevertheless, we’ve certainly all been taught a lesson or too. Whether it’s the importance of family, the true value of our key worker heroes or how to save a few pennies. Many who may not be used to modern technology have also had to take a step into the virtual world to stay in touch with loved ones, while we’ve all been reminded of the importance of kindness.
George Whatley George Whatley WORKING from home, online shopping, and spending the odd day in your pyjamas has all added up to help us save a bit of money over the past year.
MORE than 5,000 children in Southend were living in poverty before the Covid pandemic, with charities fearing the number could increase even further. Figures show 5,670 children in Southend aged under 16 were living in families with low incomes in 2019-20 - 15.8 per cent of all youngsters in the area. Although this was down slightly from 16 per cent the year before, it was above the 14 per cent seen in 2014-15, when records began. Families are included if they have claimed child benefit alongside another means of support, such as Universal Credit, tax credits or housing benefit. Natasha Copus, project manager at Southend Foodbank, fears numbers could rise further once furlough has ended, stressing the importance of reaching those in “hidden poverty”.
MORE than 5,000 children in Southend were living in poverty before the Covid pandemic, with charities fearing the number could increase even further. Figures show 5,670 children in Southend aged under 16 were living in families with low incomes in 2019-20 - 15.8 per cent of all youngsters in the area. Although this was down slightly from 16 per cent the year before, it was above the 14 per cent seen in 2014-15, when records began. Families are included if they have claimed child benefit alongside another means of support, such as Universal Credit, tax credits or housing benefit. Natasha Copus, project manager at Southend Foodbank, fears numbers could rise further once furlough has ended, stressing the importance of reaching those in “hidden poverty”.