Taskforce launched to tackle child poverty

A team dedicated to tackling child poverty across seven council areas has been officially launched.

North East Mayor Kim McGuinness has established the Child Poverty Reduction Unit (CPRU) after a report claimed a third of the region's children were living in poverty.

The unit will meet with families and community groups over the next two months to develop a plan specific to the needs of local areas.

McGuinness said the plans would "put the foundations in place to ensure no child is left behind".

"We will develop a plan for every part of the North East, tailored to what local families need, starting from the grassroots," she said.

The mayor announced the CPRU's launch at a story reading session attended by pupils, charities and teachers in Newbiggin-by-the-Sea in Northumberland.

She was joined by Amanda Bailey, the director of the North East Child Poverty Commission, who has been appointed to lead the new unit's work.

"Tackling child poverty - and all the barriers growing up in hardship can bring - is absolutely central to the future of our region," she said.

"Crucially, the child poverty action plan we are creating is being developed in partnership with local communities across the region, who know their strengths and challenges and what is needed to break down the barriers to opportunity in their area."

A draft action plan will be brought before the North East Combined Authority for approval in March.

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