Agenda item

Child Poverty in County Durham

Minutes:

The Committee considered a report of the Corporate Director of Children and Young People’s Services and a presentation which provided progress of the Child Poverty Working Group (CPWG) in addressing child poverty in County Durham since the last update in January 2020 (for copies see file of minutes).

 

Members were provided with a demonstration of the information held within the child poverty section of the Durham Insights across several categories, including information on the take up of free school meals across the county.  Much of the data held was at AAP and ward level and Members were encouraged to view the information.  The service hoped to develop the child poverty data further and to develop a time series for free school meal data.  The information provided from Durham Insights had helped to target the work of the Child Poverty Working Group.

 

Members were informed that there had been 1500 free school meals claims since lockdown.  The One Point Service had provided help and support to children and families and to care leavers on universal credit, to ensure they receive all the appropriate benefits and weekly shopping.

 

Councillor Crute was interested in the reference to Free School Meals (FSM) which was a key driver for child poverty in the County and although it was unknown whether the uptake rate had risen as a result of COVID-19, there was high eligibility and a relatively low rate of uptake.  It was unknown whether children who were not taking up FSM were taking an alternative or skipping lunch, which would have a negative effect on nutrition and attainment.  There was also a link between FSM and pupil premium and non-take-up could have a negative impact on school budgets and he asked whether the take up rate could be improved for the benefit of both children and schools through working with families to improve their understanding of eligibility.

 

The Strategic Manager, One Point and Think Family Services confirmed that a corporate document had been developed with information on financial support for financial issues but recognised that something specific for children and families was needed.  With regards to FSM, the there was still some stigma around applying for FSM and many families were unaware they were eligible to claim – some working parents were eligible and did not know. 

 

The Research and Consultation Officer confirmed that information regarding the take up of FSM needed to be gained from schools and to assist in whether eligibility had increased, however there was an autumn census that would be going ahead in October and hopefully another extract would be available in at the end of the year to see how eligibility had increased and potentially compare the autumn and spring censuses.

 

Councillor Kennedy queried the data re FSM eligibility and whether children who were in reception to year 3 receiving FSM were included in the data as this would be an inaccurate reflection of those eligible through Universal Credit.  The Corporate Equality and Strategy Manager confirmed that the data was collated by the DfE and only included people who received FSM on universal credit.

 

Ms R Evans referred to the scheme with regards to the distribution of laptops and acknowledged that educational settings mitigated some of the effects of poverty however the recent experience of children not going to school had increased education inequality and she had been disappointed to read the number of laptops distributed as she thought there were more going to disadvantaged children.  She asked what the council were doing to ensure children had access to laptops and connectivity and whether there was a long-term plan to mitigate disadvantaged children.

 

The Strategic Manager, One Point and Think Family Services confirmed that any new child with a social worker was given either a laptop/router and also care leavers, disadvantaged children in year 10, however the Government’s priority was to try and keep schools open and deliver education in schools.

 

The Chair confirmed that a Head Teacher had informed her that children with social workers had been given a laptop quickly but there was a delay for year 10 equipment which had not been supplied until the end of the summer term.  The Head of Early Help, Inclusion and Vulnerable Children confirmed that the council had ordered quickly and their delivery enabled them to distribute equipment in a more timely way however Academies had to order their own equipment which may have been delayed.  There was more work to do with regards to digital poverty for children in rural areas who were not able to connect to broadband services.

 

With regards to utilising surplus food, Ms J Norman asked whether there was any evidence of schemes that increased access to fresh and healthy foods.  Many of the schemes donated food that was perishable and not always healthy.  She wondered whether there were any sustainable food schemes or any plans to develop such schemes and make healthy food more accessible, especially in rural areas where there was limited access to supermarkets.  The Strategic Manager, One Point and Think Family Services confirmed plans to expand the community fridge scheme across the county, there was an organisation ‘that bread and butter thing’ which was a scheme that used surplus food stuff and provided 3 bags of food at a cost of around £7. One of those bags contained fresh fruit and vegetables and they were still in early discussions and would look at how to work with the voluntary and community sector providers, but she was happy to return and update the Committee.

 

Councillor Charlton was concerned about fuel poverty and the number of low income families who were on high rate fuel meters. Now that many employees were having to work from home they would get more and more into debt and asked if the Council could help.  The Strategic Manager, One Point and Think Family Services confirmed that the welfare assistance scheme could support families with fuel costs but the service needed to be proactive in letting families know where they could get help.

 

The Chair confirmed that it was disappointing but not surprising that some of the indices of poverty were declining during the COVID-19 pandemic and this was something the Committee needed to monitor closely.

 

Resolved:

 

That the report and presentation be noted.

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