This document summarizes the findings from Child Poverty Needs Assessments (CPNAs) completed by local authorities in the North East of England. It identifies six main priorities that emerged from analyzing the Child Poverty Strategies developed by local authorities in response to their duties under the Child Poverty Act. The priorities include raising aspirations, ensuring every child has the best start through early intervention and prevention programs, improving access to work, financial inclusion initiatives, improving neighborhoods, and improving health and well-being. The document also notes some criticisms of an overemphasis on raising aspirations without addressing structural factors. It finds that while early intervention is important, the current economic climate poses challenges to expanding such programs.

1. Exploring the Approaches of North East
Local Authorities to Tackling Child Poverty

3. CONTENTS
1. Foreword 04
2. Introduction 05
3. Background & Methodology 06
4. Summary of Findings from 07
Child Poverty Needs Assessments
5. Emerging Priorities identified by 09
Child Poverty Strategies
6. Potential Policy Options 15
7. Conclusions 17
October 2012

4. 04
1. FOREWORD
Tackling child poverty in the North East is not a new
piece of work for the local authorities in the region. It is,
however, one of the most important challenges they face.
Child poverty affects children not just in If the commitment to eradicate child
their childhood but in their prospects for poverty by 2020, is to be met, we will
adult life as well. Children who are born need to refresh and update our analyses
poor are more likely to be poor as adults of poverty regularly. It is hoped that
and have poor children. Currently, more this report, which highlights common
than 1 in 4 children growing up in the themes and identifies potential areas for
North East today are living in poverty improvement within and across the North
and, in some local authority wards, the East, will support future analyses and
figure rises to more than 50% of children. help to increase our understanding of
That is the scale of the situation we are how we can best tackle child poverty.
trying to address today.
The North East Child Poverty
The Child Poverty Act introduced duties Commission will continue to work closely
for local authorities to work with their with local authorities and their key
partners to produce Child Poverty Needs partners in the wider public sector, the
Assessments (CPNAs) and Child Poverty voluntary sector and the business sector
Strategies. Local authorities in the region to ensure that we end child poverty and,
are fulfilling these duties and have in doing so, improve the lives of children
completed their first CPNAs. – and their life chances – across the
North East.
However, the pace and scale of some
of the reforms being introduced by the
Coalition Government mean that the
picture in the North East is constantly
changing and we need to understand
how these changes impact upon some of
our most disadvantaged and vulnerable
communities.
Murray Rose
Director of Service to People,
Darlington Borough Council,
Chair, North East Child
Poverty Commission

5. 05
2. INTRODUCTION
Poverty is defined as a household income
of below 60% of the median.
There are approximately 130,000 other items to protect their children The North East Child
children growing up in poverty in the from this stigma.4
North East and it has been predicted that
Poverty Commission
the number is likely to increase in the • ave the Children estimate that poorer
S
The North East Child Poverty
coming years. Child poverty can have families often have to pay a ‘poverty
Commission is a stakeholder group
devastating effects for children (not just in premium’ of around £1,280 per year
made up of representatives from local
their childhood but in their adult life as for good and services . This is because
authorities, other public sector bodies,
well), their families and for society more of different tariffs for gas and electricity
charities and businesses who are working
generally. suppliers, higher interest rates for loans
together to tackle child poverty in the
and purchases and higher insurance
North East. The Commission is keen
• nfants in the poorest families have an
I premiums for living in disadvantaged
to raise public and political awareness
almost 10 times higher chance of dying neighbourhoods.5
about the devastating impact that poverty
suddenly in infancy than those in the
• nly one in nine children from low
O has on children, their experience and
highest income group.1
income backgrounds will reach the enjoyment of childhood and their
• here is an ‘attainment gap’ between
T top 25% of earners as adults. The UK chances in life as an adult.
pupils who receive Free School Meals has very low ‘social mobility’ which is
The aim of the North East Child Poverty
and those pupils that don’t receive sometimes expressed as ‘poor children
Commission is to “provide a strong regional
FSM. 15% of boys receiving FSM did grow up to be poor adults’.6
voice to raise awareness of the issue of child
not get 5 GCSEs in 2010, whereas only
• t is estimated that child poverty costs
I poverty in the North East and to work
5% of boys that didn’t get FSM failed
the UK approximately £25 billion collaboratively to tackle the problem.”
to get 5 GCSEs.2
per year, including around £17 billion
• hildren who live in poverty are twice
C that would return to the government
as likely to live in poor quality housing. (through increased taxes and reduce
Overcrowding and spells living in benefits payments) if child poverty
temporary accommodation are also were eradicated.7
factors that affect children growing up
in poverty.3
• here is a stigma attached to living
T
in poverty and poor children are
often bullied at school. Not wanting
to appear poor means that a lot of
children who are entitled to Free
School Meals don’t actually take them
and poor families will often go without
http://www.endchildpoverty.org.uk/files/
1. http://www.tes.co.uk/article.
4. http://www.dpm.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/
6.
Health_consequences_of_Poverty_for_ aspx?storycode=6070031 resource-library/opening-doors-breaking-
children.pdf http://www.savethechildren.org.uk/sites/
5. barriers-strategy-social-mobility-0
https://nationalpupildatabase.wikispaces.com
2. default/files/docs/UK_Poverty_Rip_Off_ http://www.jrf.org.uk/publications/
7.
http://www.endchildpoverty.org.uk/files/
3. Brief_1.pdf estimating-costs-child-poverty
Health_consequences_of_Poverty_for_
children.pdf

6. 06
3. BACKGROUND
METHODOLOGY
Background Methodology
The Child Poverty Act 2010 requires This report is based on the documents The report presents the findings of the
local authorities to produce a ‘joint child produced by local authorities in response analysis of the CPNAs using the Building
poverty strategy for their area’ along with to the local duties outlined in the Child Blocks structure suggested by the guidance
their partners. Poverty Act 2010. from the Child Poverty Unit.
In line with the decision by the Coalition All 12 local authorities in the North Analysis of CPSs and other documents
Government not to introduce statutory East provided information relating to including action plans focused on
guidance in relation to Part 2 of the the work that they had undertaken in identifying emerging themes or priorities
act, in a FAQ Guide, the Child Poverty respect of these duties. The information for action. Where similar themes
Unit state that ‘it is not stipulated provided included Child Poverty Needs emerged from a number of different
whether strategies should be stand-alone Assessments (CPNAs), Child Poverty authorities, a summary of relevant
or embedded/integrated with other Strategies (CPSs), Children and Young evidence and/or existing practice is
strategies – this is a judgement for local People’s Plans, covering reports and provided and some Potential Policy Options
authorities and their partners to make.’ 8 minutes of relevant meetings. are identified.
Another document – A Guide to Part 2 Analysis of the CPNAs focused on the Hyperlinks have been provided for all
of the Child Poverty Act 2010 – suggests evidence used - or not used - in the references, where possible.
that the strategy must be ‘visible, development of the assessments and the
transparent and accountable to the local adherence to – or divergence from – the
community’ 9 . The strategies ‘must non-statutory guidance which was issued
include measures relating to matters to local authorities in
identified in a local child poverty needs support of Part 2 of the
assessment’ 10 Child Poverty Act.
http://media.education.gov.uk/assets/files/
8. http://media.education.gov.uk/assets/
9. http://www.legislation.gov.uk/
10.
doc/f/faq%20on%20part%202%20of%20 files/doc/g/guide%20to%20part%202%20 ukpga/2010/9/pdfs/ukpga_20100009_
the%20child%20poverty%20act.doc of%20the%20child%20poverty%20act%20 en.pdf
http://media.education.gov.uk/assets/files/ 2010.doc
doc/f/faq%20on%20part%202%20of%20
the%20child%20poverty%20act.doc

7. 07
4. FINDINGS
Summary of Findings from
Child Poverty Needs Assessments
General Employment Skills Family Life Chances
• he decentralisation agenda and
T • Making work pay’ is a key element
‘ • ver 60 different data sources relating
O
the decision not to issue statutory of the government strategy to tackle to the Family Life Chances building
guidance in support of the Local Duties child poverty and a strong focus on block were used in the compilation
of the Child Poverty Act allowed addressing worklessness exists within of CPNAs in the North East. Seven
local authorities to develop CPNAs the CPNAs. However, there was not national measures of children’s live
and CPSs that link to and support much information provided on the chances are included in the national
their existing local structures and success or otherwise of employability strategy.
frameworks. initiatives.
• ocal authorities responded to
L
• range of approaches have been
A • owever, around 60% of children
H a national policy focus on the
adopted in relation to: the profile given living in poverty live in a household Foundation Years Early Intervention:
to child poverty within authorities; where at least one adult works and moving towards and/or improving
where the agenda is located within the North East has the highest or the provision of early intervention
existing organisational or partnership joint highest proportion of employees initiatives was highlighted as a priority
structures; and how and what data earning under £7 per hour in England in a number of CPNAs and/or CPSs.
has been used in the development of 11
and high levels of job density (the
CPNAs. • here is a need to understand what
T
number of applicants pre vacancy).
works well in early intervention, how
Therefore, the supply and quality
• he extent to which the views of
T outcomes can be measured and how
of work is also important in tackling
children and young people and their a shift towards early intervention can
poverty and better use of labour
parents fed into the development of be achieved, especially in the current
market statistics could help understand
the CPNAs varies across the region. economic climate.
the reasons for poverty, unemployment
Where data from children and young
or economic inactivity.
people was used, it tended to be drawn
from quantitative surveys, both existing
and new. There is little evidence of
qualitative information on the impact
of poverty on child and family life
informing the development of the
CPNAs.
http://www.poverty.org.uk
11.

8. 08
CONTINUED...
Financial Support Place Delivery At-Risk Groups
• here is well-developed regional work
T • H
ousing supply and condition, • ost of the information contained
M
taking place across the North East, including the number of fuel-poor within CPNAs regarding ‘At-Risk
and within local authorities to tackle households and the rates of decency Groups’ related to family structure (e.g.
financial exclusion. However, it was were the main issues explored by local age of mother, single parents, number
not always clear how this work was authorities in this building block. and age of children) or participation
integrated with local authority child in the labour market. In some cases,
poverty work. • ore detailed information such as
M but not all, this information was also
provision of, or access to services, presented geographically.
• he impact on the local authority
T location of employment opportunities,
area of not maximising household satisfaction with the physical • ess information was presented on
L
income was not explicit in any of the environment and awareness of the other identified ‘At-Risk Groups’ such
CPNAs and it was not always clear locations of ‘at-risk’ groups was not as some ethnic minority communities
that information from the advice sector generally included in the CPNAs. and families with a child or parent
supported the development of the who is disabled. This may have
CPNAs. been because this building block was
introduced after initial guidance had
been issued and as part of the Coalition
Government’s updating of the blocks.

9. 09
5. PRIORITIES
Emerging Priorities from
the Child Poverty Strategies
The lack of non-statutory guidance Analysis of the priorities for action that
again offered local authorities and their Local Authorities identified suggests
partners an opportunity to develop that they broadly fall into six main
strategies that are in keeping with the categories:12
local policy and strategic frameworks and
some local authorities developed CPSs • aising aspirations/achievement/
R
that were integrated with other strategies attainment helping children fulfil
and frameworks. A number of the their potential
authorities within the region produced, • nsuring every child has the best
E
or have committed to producing, a stand start / re-focussing around Early
alone Child Poverty Strategy, whilst Intervention prevention
others have decided to embed their
strategies within wider or existing pieces • mproving access to work and
I
of work. reducing worklessness
• inancial Inclusion initiatives and
F
maximising household income
• Improving neighbourhoods
• mproving health and well-being
I
One other priority was also identified
by one CPSs that didn’t fit into the
six broad categories identified above:
• Child poverty proofing’ local authority
‘
and partners strategies and plans
These priorities were often expressed
12.
using a number of different terms and
different approaches were also highlighted
in CPNAs and CPSs (most notably
around family centred models of support)

10. 10
CONTINUED...
Raising aspirations/ ‘There were no good indications that a Ensuring every child has
child’s aspirations could influence later
achievement/attainment participation’ 14
the best start / re-focussing
helping children fulfil around Early Intervention
The widespread emphasis on raising
their potential aspirations, in particular, does not seem to
prevention
The theme of raising aspirations and be a good foundation for policy or practice. The focus on Early Intervention is not
achievement amongst young people from Teachers and other professionals may need a new concept and local authorities and
disadvantaged backgrounds has been to revise upwards their estimation of the their partners have been running pre-
particularly important in policy circles aspirations of parents and children.15 school programmes via Sure Start and
in recent years. Under the previous Children’s Centres for a number of years.
There is also further evidence that
government, the Inspiring Communities Both the Field and Allen reviews also
suggests that the popular view of poorer
programme was designed specifically emphasised the importance of supporting
parents having ‘lower’ aspirations for
to raise young people’s aspirations. children and families in the pre-school
their children is not necessarily the case.
However, evidence suggests that or ‘Foundation’ years. The reviews and
A recent study by researchers at Leeds
aspirations are generally high across all their suggestions were broadly welcomed
University16 suggested that aspirations
socio-economic backgrounds, although and supported by most audiences and the
amongst parents from different
attainment does not always meet these Allen Review had cross-party support,
backgrounds were not necessarily linear
aspirations amongst some demographic although some commentators have noted
(low-high) but that they were qualitatively
groups. This is often referred to as the that ‘early interventions’ can and should
different.
‘Aspiration – Attainment gap’ and there include programmes working with adults
is clear evidence that children eligible for The Pupil Premium will play an and older children.
free school meals do less well at school important part in efforts to close the
than those children who are not eligible However, the demand to reform public
attainment gap between pupils eligible
for free school meals.13 sector services and to identify potential
for free school meals and their peers who
savings has highlighted the financial
are not eligible for free school meals.
One local authority noted in their benefits of early intervention when
A toolkit17 produced by researchers at
CPNA that ‘children and young people compared to the cost of crisis intervention
Durham University has summarised
are full of ambition … they have high at a later stage when the issue may be
evidence around interventions focused
aspirations for the future and a strong more serious and/or complex.
on raising attainment and improving
desire to succeed’ and research carried
learning. This toolkit highlights that Some criticisms of the focus on Early
out by Joseph Rowntree Foundation
there are ways in which attainment can Intervention initiatives have suggested
found that ‘both primary and secondary
be improved without a need to focus on that, in the current political use, it focuses
school aspirations and expectations for
raising aspirations. too narrowly on perceived parental
HE among parents and children were
shortcomings and failings and also that it
generally high even among young people
requires funding at a time when services
from the poorest backgrounds’. This
for young people are under threat as they
research suggested that strategies should
are not statutory requirements18 . The child
be focused on raising attainment rather
than aspiration and that ‘focused work is poverty strategy, for example, suggests
also required to convert high expectations that ‘what is needed is a much wider
and aspirations into reality’. Further work culture change towards recognising the
by JRF in this area suggests that: importance of parenting, and how society
can support mothers and fathers to give
their children the best start in life’19 .
13. for example: http://www.jrf.org.uk/
See http://www.jrf.org.uk/publications/
15. http://www.battleofideas.org.uk/index.
18.
publications/educational-attainment- aspirations-attitudes-educational- php/2011/battles/5414/
poor-children http://www.gos.gov. attainment http://www.education.gov.uk/
19.
uk/nestore/docs/cyp/change_children/ http://soc.sagepub.com/content/45/3/480.
16. publications/standard/publicationDetail/
aspirations/john.pdf abstract?rss=1 Page1/CM%208061
14. ttp://www.jrf.org.uk/publications/
h http://www.suttontrust.com/research/
17.
aspirations-educational-attainment- toolkit-of-strategies-to-improve-learning/
participation

11. 11
CONTINUED...
However, very little research exists to Improving access to work/
support the suggestion that poverty is
caused by poor parenting practices and
reducing worklessness
much of the research that has looked Work is the key method for tackling child in jobs repeatedly failed to provide routes
at links between poverty and parenting poverty in the Coalition Government’s away from poverty, largely because of
emphasises that parenting practices ‘new approach’. Welfare reform is few opportunities being available in
cannot be divorced from the environment intended to incentivise participation the local job market; and the insecurity
or context in which they occur. A JRF in the labour market and there is new of low-paid and low-quality work was
summary of research findings relating to support for individuals facing particular the main reason why shuttling between
parenting and poverty stated that disadvantage. benefits and jobs had been interviewees
predominant experience of working life.25
A key finding here is that the majority of A number of pilots have taken place in
parents in poverty (like those living in relative the North East looking at new ways of These findings – and the statistic that
affluence) possess adequate parenting capacity. joining up employment related services 60% of children living in poverty in the
This belies any assumption that poverty is including the co-location of Work- UK live in a household where at least
necessarily associated with a lack of focussed services in Children’s Centres one adult works26 –demonstrate that
parenting capacity. in Redcar Cleveland and a ‘School work does not always offer a route out
Gates’ Employment Support Initiative in of poverty and that the quality of jobs
The North East is also seeing some of
Middlesbrough. All of these programmes also matters. Campaigns around Living
the highest increases in the number of
and new ones contained within the Wages, family friendly employment
children going into care and this is being
national child poverty strategy seek to practices and rights for temporary
linked with the effects of the recession.
work with individuals to help them find workers have all highlighted how some
Given the costs involved and the damage
work. This focus on attempts to support employment practices can serve to keep
and disruption that this process can
individuals into work risks ignoring people in poverty even when they are
have on children and young people, it
the importance and relevance of wider employed. Recent research has also again
is imperative that the reasons for this
labour market issues such as a skills highlighted that the cost of childcare
increase are understood and alternative,
mismatch21 (rather than a shortage) can act as a deterrent to people taking
preventative models of service delivery
the different rates of unemployment22 employment27. A number of recent
are explored.
and job creation and the different impact studies have also highlighted the ‘business
The NSPCC have noted that while of the recession on different regions case’ for improving working practices and
‘research shows an association between across the UK23 24. paying ‘fair wages’28. These studies have
neglect and poverty, it does not mean highlighted benefits such as improved
Work by researchers at Teesside
that poverty causes neglect or abuse’ staff satisfaction, performance and
University exploring the ‘low pay-no pay’
and ‘the majority of families living in retention and improvements in health
cycle highlighted a number of key points
poverty do not maltreat their children and well-being.
about the interaction between individuals
and parent effectively’ 20.
and local labour markets including: an
enduring commitment to work despite
experience of moving in and out of
employment and low-paid jobs; financial
necessity and a desire to work leading
people to take poor quality jobs that
trapped them in long-term insecurity and
poverty; engagement
http://www.nspcc.org.uk/inform/research/briefings/
20. http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/rel/lmac/impact-
23. http://research.dwp.gov.uk/asd/hbai/hbai2011/
26.
poverty_wda56897.html of-the-recession-on-the-labour-market/ index.php?page=contents
http://www.ukces.org.uk/assets/ukces/docs/
21. impact-of-the-recession-on-the-labour-market/ http://www.savethechildren.org.uk/en/50_protect-
27.
publications/ambition-2020-the-2009-report-key- impact-of-the-recession-on-the-labour-market--- uk-childcare-support.htm
findings.pdf impact-of-the-recession-on-the-labour-market.pdf
28. for example: http://www.geog.qmul.ac.uk/docs/
See
http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2011/aug/17/
22. 24. http://dro.dur.ac.uk/7069/ staff/8041.pdf http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/
unemployment-rise-jobs-not-there http://www.jrf.org.uk/publications/understanding-
25. doi/10.1002/14651858.CD008009.pub2/abstract;jses
recurrent-poverty sionid=563BE44323FB72F9D2885BC424BD5C57.
d01t04

12. 12
CONTINUED...
Financial Inclusion Improving
initiatives/maximising neighbourhoods
household income (expressed in terms of
Ensuring that everyone is receiving the It is unfortunate that traditional sources family child friendly/
money that they are entitled to and of advice and support in this area are safe/sustainable and
under particular threat as a result of
are able to access mainstream financial
the fiscal squeeze on local authorities.
including housing)
services is vital in tackling child poverty
and mitigating its impacts. Research However, a number of new and The only mention of neighbourhood and/
shows that take up of benefit such as innovative approaches to service delivery or environmental issues in the national
Council Tax Benefit, Housing Benefit is around financial support suggest that strategy on child poverty acknowledges,
lower amongst households that work, there are opportunities to maximise via a reference to the Marmot Review of
and finding ways of reaching workers is household income (and reduce household Health Inequalities that ‘the poorer the
particularly important in this theme. expenditure) even in the current climate. neighbourhood, the more likely it is to
Regional collaborative working is already have high rates of crime, poor air quality,
For example, national figures released taking place via the Financial Inclusion lack of green spaces and safe places for
in 2010 show the estimated take up rates and Capability Network (FINCAN) and children to play’ 34.
for Income Related Benefits, Tax Credits local authorities are already working with
and Child Benefit for 2008-09 29,30. It is and supporting this venture. Improving the physical environment of
estimated that the loss to the North East disadvantaged neighbourhoods often
from the non take up of tax credits by Financial Inclusion initiatives and links back to the ‘broken windows theory’
families with children alone was between projects, whilst perhaps best delivered of social norms in poorer and less well
£90 million and £220 million 31. ANEC at a local level, could benefit from some maintained environments. However, in
estimated that in 2006/07, between £501 regional consistency and collaboration. the current financial climate, it is likely
and £894 million was lost to the North Best practice at a neighbourhood level that local authorities will be required to
East as a result of non-take up of benefits 32. should be shared widely and there may explore savings in their environmental or
Once the potential local multiplier effect be opportunities for regional campaigns maintenance services which may make
of this money circulating within the local to raise awareness of different benefits. improvements difficult to achieve.
economy is calculated the loss to the
It is important that this work is linked Housing is an issue which, although
region is nearer £1-1.5 billion per year.
into the child poverty agenda within local occupying a relatively minor role in the
A report for One North East in authorities and other large employers new national child poverty strategy is one
September 2009 highlighted a number across public, private and voluntary which local authorities in the North East
of issues for the North East in relation sectors where possible. The localisation are aware can have an effect on family
financial inclusion33. The report suggested aspects of the welfare reforms again life. High energy prices are also likely
that out of 2 million adults in the region: put local authorities at the centre of to have an impact in the region, which
discussions and action around household has the highest percentage of fuel poor
• ust over 1 million have
J income and expenditure. households in the country.
no savings account
• Over 477,000 have no bank account A report by York University in 2009
highlighted that most local authorities
• 260,000 have been refused credit
in the North East had ‘much better
• ver 1 million individuals have no
O housing than would be expected’ given
home contents insurance their levels of child poverty 35 although
http://statistics.dwp.gov.uk/asd/income_
29. http://www.northeastcouncils.gov.
32. 34. www.marmotreview.org/
analysis/jun_2010/0809_Publication.pdf uk/download_documents_pdf. 35. ww.york.ac.uk/inst/spru/research/pdf/
w
http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/stats/personal-
30. cfm?file=asset20110405042223.pdf ChildPovertyNE.pdf
tax-credits/cwtc-take-up2008-09.pdf http://www.ignite-ne.com/ignite/
33.
31. Ibid Documents-hvstr.nsf/0/765873885
C63E4328025760400418E10/$file/
Enhancingfinancialinclusion.pdf

13. 13
CONTINUED...
this largely applies to the role of social Improving health
housing in the region. With a national
policy focus on ‘supporting the private
and well-being
rented sector to grow’, local authorities Children in the North East are among the The work of the ‘You’re Welcome’
will want to ensure that these high
least healthy in the country and living in project 42 that was carried out with
standards are maintained.
poverty is strongly linked with a number young people in the North East will be
There are other ways of improving of health issues. In a paper written for important in ensuring that health services
the environment without making the North East Child Poverty Regional take the needs and views of children
physical changes and a number of the Advisory Group in 2009, Professor and young people into account when
priorities relating to this theme identify Jonathan Bradshaw noted that ‘on health designing and delivering services. The
the need to change the social and it is striking how many areas in the NE profound impact that poverty and low
emotional environment of disadvantaged are doing much worse than would be income has on health is already well
neighbourhoods. This includes measures expected given their material well-being known and relatively uncontested. We
to reduce incidences of anti-social rankings’ 38. This report also noted that have known since Victorian times that
behaviour and crime with hoped for other sources of health data, such as poverty affects health and so eradicating
outcomes including reduced fear of CHIMAT 39, portrayed a similar picture. poverty must be central to any attempts
crime, lower insurance premiums, higher to improve the health outcomes of
Donald Hirsch and Professor
house prices and greater community children and young people. Danny
cohesion. Nick Spencer have written that:
Dorling illustrates this graphically when
‘Poverty is the greatest preventable threat to he writes:
There is some evidence that a number of
the services that currently address some health, and tackling it is fundamental to
Unfortunately, we will always suffer from
of these issues are some of those that are addressing health Inequalities and boosting
child mortality, but there is no good reason,
being disproportionately affected by the life chances’ and that the
other than because of our greed and ignorance,
current cuts to public sector budgets, for those mortality rates to be higher for
evidence has profound implications for public
not least because some of them are not children from poor families 43.
policy. It suggests that effective action to tackle
statutory services. For example, work
child poverty would make an important long-
carried out by the LGA suggested that The transferring of the Public Health
term contribution to many health-related policy
services for young people would be agenda to local Health Wellbeing
objectives, including reducing obesity, reducing
expected to ‘receive a proportionally Boards, alongside commissioning
heart disease, increasing breast feeding and
larger savings target for the current arrangements for Health Visitors and
improving mental health.40
financial year 36 School Nurses, presents local authorities
Not only does child poverty affect health and their partners with an excellent
Work carried out by Children North opportunity to prioritise the health and
during childhood, but it also affects
East in 2011 with children and young
adult health as well. In a separate paper well-being of children and young people
people from across the region identified
drawing on over 70 different studies, in the new health landscape.
that poor housing was the greatest
and most recurring issues for young Professor Spencer argues that:
people growing up in poverty 37. The it is now clear that poverty and low socio-
wider environment was the second
economic status in early life adversely affect
most common issue identified in the
health in ways that transmit across time and
participatory photography project they
contribute to poor adult health. In other words,
carried out. Transport and the lack of
poor social circumstances in childhood are
social activities or ‘places to go’ also
associated with poor health both in childhood
featured highly.
itself and in adult life 41
http://www.lga.gov.uk/lga/aio/17710243
36. 40. ww.endchildpoverty.org.uk/.../
w 43. you think you know about Britain,
So
http://www.children-ne.org.uk/tackling-
37. Intergenerational_Links_between_c D. Dorling, 2012
child-poverty www.endchildpoverty.org.uk/.../
41.
http://php.york.ac.uk/inst/spru/
38. Childhood_Poverty_and_Adult_Hea
pubs/1876/ http://www.rywu.org.uk/wp-content/
42.
http://www.apho.org.uk/default.
39. uploads/2010/06/Your-Welcome-
aspx?QN=CHIMAT_HOME Participation-Toolbox-Final.pdf

14. 14
CONTINUED...
‘Child poverty proofing’
local authority and partners
strategies and plans
The previous Labour government was utilising other partners workforces such
explicit that ending child poverty was as education and/or housing. Children
‘Everyone’s business’ and it is important North East are developing a programme
that corporate or partnership policies of work around the concept of ‘poverty-
or strategies not closely linked to child proofing the school day.’45
poverty do not unintentionally prove
One local authority identified ‘child
to be counter-productive in efforts to
poverty proofing’ existing and new
address it.
strategies and plans as a priority to
The effects that growing up in poverty ensure that all areas of local authority
has on children’s chances and outcomes business considered the implications
in adult life – and the cost to society - of their work on children living in
demonstrate that responsibility for ending poverty. Existing Equality Impact Needs
child poverty should not rest solely Assessments and other service delivery
with Children’s Services departments planning frameworks or corporate risk
within local authorities. In a number of management processes could be adapted
local authorities, the responsibility for to include ‘child poverty’ as an extra
co-ordinating the work to tackle child consideration, without the need for new
poverty resides with different functions processes to be developed.
or services. Some authorities have
There is also potential to include Child
allocated lead responsibility to a Chief
Poverty related training and information
Executives or Corporate Policy team to
into existing training programmes such as
assist the mainstreaming of child poverty
employee induction and in-house training
throughout the organisation, whilst in
courses without requiring significant extra
other areas lead responsibility sits with
resources. The Children’s Workforce
Partnership Teams which strengthens the
Development Council produced a
view that child poverty won’t be resolved
training module on ‘understanding,
by the council alone.
recognising and responding’ to child
A recent example of partner poverty, which is now available on the
organisations working to tackle child Department for Education website.46
poverty on a ‘Healthier, Wealthier A training session for schools governors
Children’ project in and around Glasgow around child poverty and the pupil
found that training and supporting an premium is currently being piloted in
early years workforce such as midwives the North East.
and health visitors resulted in estimated
However, given that the availability and
financial gains of nearly £3million in a 15
accessibility of ‘good’ work is central to
month period for pregnant women and
ending child poverty, it is important that
families at risk of child poverty44 . Similar
employers and not just employees are
projects could conceivably be delivered
engaged in efforts to tackle child poverty.
http://www.gcph.co.uk/publications/359_
44. http://www.vonne.org.uk/z_includes/
45. https://www.education.gov.uk/
46.
maximising_opportunities_final_ inc_getasset.php?srcpath=..%2F..%2F..%2F publications/standard/publicationDetail/
evaluation_report_of_the_hwc_project type=fileid=2976 Page1/SP225/0911

15. 15
6. POLICY
Potential Policy Options
Raising Aspirations Improving / Re-focusing Improving Access to Work
and Achievement around Early Intervention / Reducing Worklessness
1.
Local authorities could consider 4.
Local authorities and their partners 7. ocal authorities could consider how
L
a focus on ‘realising aspirations’ could consider the benefits of an to encourage and support employers
or ‘raising attainment’ rather than ‘Early Intervention’ approach across in the region to implement family
‘raising aspirations’ as there is little the life cycle and not just in the early friendly employment practices, using
evidence of low aspirations (either or foundation years, which was the their procurement and commissioning
child, parental or community) being a focus of the Field and Allen Reviews. arrangements to promote these
factor in low educational attainment. practices.
5.
Commissioning of new or different
2.
Focusing on what works in raising services across local authority 8. vidence provided by employability
E
achievement or attainment, the boundaries is already being explored initiatives, including national child
introduction and expansion and the evaluations of these models poverty pilots should be included in
of the Pupil Premium and the could be shared, where appropriate. the design of local interventions and
Academisation programme offer new programmes to support people back
opportunities to work with schools Local authorities could consider
6. into work.
in understanding what interventions arrangements to share information
work well for children from on their approaches (including 9.
Local authorities should consider the
disadvantaged backgrounds. developing an evidence base) to monitoring of local labour markets
commissioning and delivering Early as an integral part of their work to
3.
Local authorities could consider Intervention projects using mainline tackle child poverty, where this is not
working collaboratively, and with funding. already happening.
relevant researchers and research
networks, to better understand 10. ob creation initiatives within the
J
the ‘state of the region’s children’, North East should promote the
including understanding the effect creation of quality jobs wherever
of the economic climate on the possible, noting that work does not
wellbeing of young people in the always offer a route out of poverty.
North East.

16. 16
CONTINUED...
Financial Inclusion Providing Family / Improve Health
Initiatives / Maximising Child Friendly and Well-being
Household Income Neighbourhoods 17. ocal Health and Wellbeing
L
11. ocal authorities, their partners and
L 14. ew ways of maintaining and, where
N Boards could consider making the
other large employers should consider possible, improving disadvantaged improvement of the health of children
how they can support alternative neighbourhoods should be explored in their area a priority for their work,
sources of credit such as credit unions in light of significant pressure to local noting the position of the North East’s
through, for example, the provision authority budgets, including working children in health terms relative to
for payroll deductions for employees with different agencies and local the rest of the country.
or ‘opting in as default’ schemes with residents.
18. onsideration could be given to
C
social housing tenants.
15. nderstanding which environmental
U developing a set of regionally agreed
12. ocal authorities should explore
L factors have the greatest impact on ‘Children’s Life Chances Indicators’,
ways of working with and raising children’s lives through research incorporating the national measures
awareness amongst other employers and consultation with residents will and relevant and significant local
to involve them in increasing the take help to increase the success of these measures.
up of in-work benefits amongst their initiatives in relation to mitigating the
employees. impact of poverty on children’s lives.
13. ocal authorities and other public and
L 16. ousing providers and regulators
H Child Poverty Proof local
voluntary sector organisations should should continue to work together authority and partners
consider ways of improving the to ensure that, wherever possible, strategies and plans
welfare knowledge and signposting the condition and supply of housing
ability of their employees so that in the North East helps to mitigate, 19. ocal authorities should consider
L
people who may be entitled to rather than worsen, the effects of ways to ensure that ending child
benefits are given appropriate and poverty, with a particular focus on poverty is everybody’s business
timely advice and support. This fuel poverty. across their organisation and that
need not be limited to the children’s all strategies and plans support this
workforce and is particularly aim. Poverty proofing corporate
important given the significant documents and plans and including
welfare reforms that are planned. child poverty in Impact Assessments
are possible options here.
20. onsideration could also be given
C
to the development of a regional
training programme, including
sessions to be used for inductions,
‘brief interventions’ and impact
assessments, for example, to support
the above recommendation and
ensure a well informed regional
workforce .

17. 17
7. CONCLUSIONS
The Guidance produced by the CPU 47 As new measures are introduced more Decisions regarding the implementation
on Part 2 of the Child Poverty Act work will be required to understand the of localised elements of the welfare
noted that: effect these changes have on people. The reforms, the priority setting process
introduction of Universal Credit in 2013 within newly formed Health Wellbeing
‘the responsible local authority will want to will, in the words of the government Boards and the potential for agreeing
agree with partners how and when to publish, strategy on child poverty ‘support those Living Wage policies are three areas that
review and revise the assessments in line who do the right thing, who take a full spring to mind as areas where there is
with their local needs, so that these can usefully time job, to have an income which some degree for local decision making to
inform the timely preparation, review and lifts them out of poverty.’ 49 But there take place, but there will be more.
revision of local child poverty strategies’
are not enough jobs for everyone, let
(emphases added) In summary, and as this report and
alone full time jobs and, again, there
the Child Poverty Needs Assessments
Some local authorities have developed a is a geographical imbalance in the
and Strategies that it is based on, has
process where their CPNAs are updated creation of new, well paid and secure
hopefully shown, there is a lot that local
and monitored regularly as new statistical jobs, which does not favour the North
authorities and their partners can do to
information becomes available. Other East. Recent news regarding job losses
reduce levels of child poverty through
authorities are in the final stages of at long established employers in the
local action.
agreeing their first CPS whilst others region such as Alcan, BAE, Direct Line
already considering reviewing and and Peters Cathedral Bakers demonstrate
refreshing their existing strategies. how difficult it is to support existing
companies, as well as trying to attract
A number of recent independent analyses new investors in the North East.
suggest that child poverty levels are set
to rise in the coming years as a result Many of the policies that can help to
of austerity measures and public sector tackle child poverty, such as benefit
reforms, many of which are yet to be levels and minimum wage levels are
implemented. In particular, the reforms developed nationally. However, the
to the welfare state are predicted to coalition governments focus on localism
hit families with children harder than and decentralisation does provide local
other groups. The North East has authorities with the opportunity to adapt
been identified by the TUC as ‘one and deliver some of these policies in
of the hardest places to find work in their own way and to develop new ones
the country’ 48 , revealing the differing which go beyond those developed in
geographical impact of these economic Westminster.
situation.
47 http://media.education.gov.uk/assets/ 48 http://www.tuc.org.uk/economy/tuc- 49 https://www.education.gov.uk/
files/doc/g/guide%20to%20part%202%20 21415-f0.cfm publications/standard/publicationDetail/
of%20the%20child%20poverty%20act%20 Page1/CM%208061
2010.doc

18.
Improving partnerships, knowledge and outcomes