Isle Of Wight Council Announces Child Poverty Mission

Friday, 17 March 2023 11:07

By Louise Hill, LDR Reporter

The Isle of Wight Council has reaffirmed its commitment to reducing child poverty on the Island.

In light of a 63 per cent increase in the number of children eligible for free school meals on the Island in the last four years — a marker used to gauge child poverty — Cllr Michael Lilley called on the council to commit to developing a strategy to address the issue.

Cllr Lilley first raised the matter in January 2019 and bought it back for further debate on Wednesday asking the authority to set specific targets and outcomes to reduce child poverty by 2028.

He said nearly a third of Island children are living in poverty, ten per cent up from previous estimates, and it was not acceptable.

Cllr Lilley said it was totally unacceptable for children to go to sleep at night hungry nor have the same opportunities as others and the authority had to make this a priority.

He said there were pockets of innovation and good practice on the Island but the authority had to accelerate initiatives.

Quoting Nelson Mandela, Cllr Lilley said poverty was manmade and can be removed by the actions of humans.

Councillors unanimously supported the motion and wanted to see it discussed at a children’s services, education and skill policy committee.

Cabinet member for children’s services, Cllr Debbie Andre, assured members were prioritising children and their future but I do agree we can do more.

She said:

“We all have to take ownership and responsibility for this across the council. I look forward to developing a strong strategy to move forward and to be assured we are doing everything we can to irradicate child poverty.”

Questions were raised over why nothing has been done since the issue was first raised four years ago.

Cllr Richard Quigley said the council cannot rely on the kindness of others to solve this issue and without a concerted effort from the authority nothing would change.

Speaking from personal experience, Cllr Andrew Garratt said living in child poverty is a grinding and miserable experience but called for the council’s executive to bring forward the strategy as soon as possible.