An area of Birmingham has been identified as the poorest place in the whole of England. The Ladywood parliamentary constituency, which includes Aston, Nechells, Ladywood, and Bordesley Green, has the highest child poverty rate in the country, with over half of all children (54%) living in poverty.
Child poverty crisis in Birmingham
These sobering new figures highlight a deepening crisis, with thousands of youngsters likely to remain trapped in a cycle of poverty. The lack of opportunities increases their chances of being drawn into crime as they grow older. Two other Birmingham areas also make the national top five: Hodge Hill and Solihull North, and Perry Barr, both at 47%. They are closely followed by Yardley (46%) and Hall Green and Moseley (44%).
Government response
The child poverty crisis in Birmingham has been well-documented, exacerbated by the pandemic and the ongoing cost of living crisis. The Labour government has made tackling child poverty a core mission, recently scrapping the two-child benefit cap. Alison Garnham, chief executive of Child Poverty Action Group, said: “Growing up in poverty damages children’s everyday lives and future chances. Removal of the two-child limit next month is an important first step.”
Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Pat McFadden, added: “This Government is determined to turn the tide on poverty. Household incomes have risen 5% in real terms, food bank usage has fallen, and food insecurity is down. But we know there is more to do. We are raising the National Living Wage, cutting average energy bills by £150 from April, and delivering our Child Poverty Strategy which will lift 550,000 children out of poverty by the end of this parliament.”
