Decision details

Further to Minute No. 141, 20^th April 2022, the Director of Children and Families submitted a report providing a further overview of ‘Thriving: The Child Poverty Strategy for Leeds’, and the ongoing work that sat underneath the strategy, including work that had occurred during and following the Covid pandemic. This report presented an update on each of the workstreams in terms of recent activities, outcomes and next steps, and also considered the impact that the national cost of living crisis continued to have upon local levels of poverty.

In presenting the report the Executive Member highlighted that the submitted report should be read alongside the ‘Cost of Living’ update report found later in the agenda within the Communities portfolio (Minute No. 73 refers).

As part of the introduction, the estimated scale of child poverty in Leeds was highlighted, together with the links between increased demand for social care support and the rise in the levels of those living in poverty. Further detail was also provided on the range of actions which continued to be taken in response to the issue of child poverty.

In considering the report and acknowledging the scale of the issues raised, a Member highlighted the importance of continuing to deliver preventative measures where possible, in order to support those in need. In response, the Board received assurances around the investment in preventative work which continued.

In response to a Member’s enquiry regarding the potential for future reports to reflect upon educational attainment, the Board discussed the challenges that continued to be faced in the area of education provision. 

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the strategic framework in place to mitigate the impact of child poverty, together with the work being undertaken by the Council and other partners in the key areas of activity, be endorsed;

(b)  That the need to promote the work of the ‘Thriving’ strategy across the city and in particular in each respective Executive Member’s portfolio, in order to highlight the impact of poverty on children and their families, be acknowledged;

(c)  That it be noted that the responsible officer for such matters is the Deputy Director Children and Families.