Child poverty in West Berkshire is on the increase – despite the district coming out in recent statistics as one of the wealthiest areas of the country.
Child poverty is rising in West Berkshire, despite being one of the wealthiest areas in the UK. In 2023/24, 11% of children under 16, equivalent to 3,398 kids, were living in poverty.
Since 2014/15, child poverty has skyrocketed by 52.8% in West Berkshire, outpacing the 37.3% increase seen across England. This alarming trend has led Dr Matthew Pearce, West Berkshire’s public health director, to urge for more support from local authorities. He argues that early investment in children's health can reduce future costs, as childhood mental health issues can be very expensive to treat.
Dr Pearce's report highlights significant health challenges faced by families, revealing that if West Berkshire had 100 children, six would be born to smokers and 40 via caesarean section. While vaccination rates are good, only 70 out of 100 children meet expected communication development levels, and 21 would be overweight or obese by age five.
Childhood obesity remains a pressing issue, with one in five reception children and one in three year six children classified as very overweight. In response, the government has introduced new food standards for baby food manufacturers to reduce sugar and salt and improve labelling.
Concerns have also been raised regarding the prevalence of mould in housing, which is linked to asthma. Dr Pearce notes that respiratory issues in children may worsen due to indoor air pollution, with 190 children under five admitted to hospital for respiratory infections in 2023/24.
The council is making strides in housing vulnerable families, ensuring children are not placed in temporary accommodation. However, 6,050 homes in West Berkshire were deemed non-decent, affecting many children under five.
Dr Pearce emphasises the importance of addressing health inequalities, stating that every child should have the opportunity to thrive, regardless of their circumstances. His report calls for prioritising the first 1,001 days of a child's life to improve health outcomes.
Home-Start West Berkshire, a charity supporting families during this critical period, assisted over 410 families last year. They offer various services, including home visits and mental health support.
The council is expanding Family Hubs, providing essential services for families with children aged 0-5, such as parenting support and health visitor clinics. Heather Codling from West Berkshire Council insists they are committed to enhancing community support for parents and children.
Dr Pearce's findings have led the council to adopt a 'child first' policy, ensuring children's needs are prioritised in decision-making.
Niki Hinman, Local Democracy Reporter
