Poverty
The simple fact is that reading matters
Diana Gerald, CEO of children’s reading charity BookTrust, explains plans to pilot a new, national library experience called BookTrust Storytime in the Autumn, developed in partnership with libraries and local authorities.
Government should 'dig deep' to cut child poverty, says Commission
The Government should ‘dig deep’ by investing £14bn to help reduce child poverty and improve social mobility says a report from the independent Social Mobility Commission.
Together we can tackle child poverty
North of Tyne Combined Authority is developing a two-year £875,000 Child Poverty Prevention programme. Cllr Karen Kilgour says a fair chance in life, with opportunity and security, should be every child’s destiny.
Is levelling up just a soundbite?
A poll has named tackling homelessness, poverty, crime and unemployment as priorities for levelling up. But Dan Corry says these are not the problems ‘a new building or bridge or a tarted-up high street can solve’.
Why digital inclusion isn’t IT’s problem
Capita outlines five ways to make digital inclusion a reality.
Income gap widest in deprived areas
The Office for National Statistics found the most deprived council areas have the biggest disparity between the wealthiest and poorest neighbourhoods.
'Alarming' rise in child poverty in North East
Research has found the top 10 local authority areas with the greatest increase in child poverty were all in the North East of England.
Powell becomes shadow housing secretary in mini-reshuffle
Labour leader Keir Starmer has replaced his shadow housing secretary and brought in a high-flyer as shadow child poverty minister as part of a mini-reshuffle.
A sense of hope for the future
The new president of the ADCS Charlotte Ramsden talks to Ann McGauran about her aim of making this the ‘year of resetting our ambition for children and young people in this country’.
Casey launches fight against hunger
A coalition of councils and charities, headed by Dame Louise Casey, have launched a campaign to support food charities this winter.
Councils are the counterbalance
Priorities seem to have ‘become skewed by COVID-related policy-making on all sides of politics’, argues Claire Fox. This should mean that councils have an even more crucial role as a democratic counterbalance, she adds.
Councils welcome £170m COVID winter grant scheme
A new £170m COVID winter grant scheme will be distributed to councils to stop children going hungry during the second wave of the pandemic.
£63m hardship fund was not meant to pay for free school meals
The £63m ‘hardship fund’ ministers claim should be enough for councils to help hungry schoolkids was not designed to pay for free school meals.
Councils step in after government rejects Rashford campaign
Councils around the country have quickly stepped in after the Government voted against providing free school meals to families who need them over half-term.
Pulling children out of poverty
Poverty is not inevitable or ‘someone else’s problem’. President of the ADCS Jenny Coles looks at the future of the 200,000 more children who will face poverty in the wake of COVID-19.
Council moves after poverty report
Brent LBC will extend the use of its procurement powers to secure more good quality apprenticeships and social value from council contracts.
Tackling inequalities is everyone’s business in Birmingham
Tomorrow’s report to Birmingham City Council’s Cabinet makes it clear that tackling inequalities is everyone’s battle and everyone’s business, says Cllr John Cotton.
More autonomy for councils is crucial
Brent’s independent Poverty Commission report recommends enhanced powers and finances for councils. Councils have earned their place, says Shazia Hussain.
Councils get faster data insights to boost their COVID-19 recovery
Policy in Practice has secured new funding from Innovate UK, meaning councils will now have access to real-time monthly updates on living standards, says Deven Ghelani. This lays the foundation for a data-led response to COVID-19 challenges, he adds.
Unequal chances: the poverty trap in Brent
Brent has one of the highest death rates from COVID-19. Cllr Eleanor Southwood hopes the work of the Poverty Commission will help improve lives.
