Poverty scandal of our region's children

MORE THAN HALF THE YOUNGSTERS IN PARTS OF GREATER MANCHESTER GOING WITHOUT BASIC ESSENTIALS

- By JOSEPH ΤΙΜΑΝ

MORE than half the children in parts of Greater Manchester are living in poverty, according to a study.

The annual UK Poverty report reveals a widening gap in poverty rates across the country.

The North West of England has the second highest rate of poverty by region, according to the report, with 1.8m households - 25 per cent - having below-average incomes.

More than one in three children across the region are said to be living in poverty as a result.

Analysis by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation suggests that the child poverty rate will remain at a similar level for the next four years.

It comes as the charity warns that economic growth alone will not cut child poverty. Using the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR)'s growth projections, the think tank found only Scotland will see child poverty rates fall by 2029, while five English regions will see a rise.

"We can't expect children to be able to learn if they're going without the basics"