An Oxford MP has slammed the government over a ‘shameful’ child poverty crisis after research revealed that thousands of children in Oxford East are living in poverty.
More than 29 per cent of all children in Oxford are living below the poverty line after the cost of housing in the city.
New analysis published by the End Child Poverty Coalition showed a sharp rise in child poverty in Britain in the last five years, with more than 400,000 more children living in poverty after housing costs than in 2015.
Many fear that the Covid pandemic has exacerbated problems with child poverty across the UK.
Researchers combined data on child poverty published by the Department for Work and Pensions in May with information about local housing costs to build a detailed picture of child poverty across the country.
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MP Anneliese Dodds has signed the new ‘No Child Left Behind’ pledge launched today by the National Education Union
Ms Dodds said: “These figures are shocking and heart breaking.
“This Government has presided over a staggering increase in child poverty.
“It’s awful to think that three in every ten kids in Oxford East are growing up in poverty.
“I’m really pleased that Labour are making tackling child poverty a top priority, and working to ensure that Britain is the best possible place to grow up in for all children.
“That is why I am proud to sign the National Education Union’s pledge committing to do everything in my power to ensure no child is left behind.”
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