The Director of Children and Families submitted a report which proposed a new, innovative way of working, incorporating research based intelligence with policies and projects to assess the most effective low cost, high impact solutions to improve the lives of children and young people in poverty.
Responding to a Member’s comments, the Board received assurances that there was an urgency in the approach being taken to address the issue of child poverty in Leeds, with Members being provided with details of the actions currently being taken and those which were planned for the future.
Further details were also provided on how the impact of the actions would be monitored and measured, with it being noted that in line with this, a ‘plan on a page’ document for the strategy was intended to be submitted to a future meeting of the Board for Members’ consideration.
With regard to the role of academic research, it was highlighted that such research was informing the actions being taken to ensure that the effectiveness of any interventions was maximised, with it also being noted that the findings of such research would help to continue to build a base of data around the extent and impact of child poverty nationally, and specifically in Leeds.
Specifically regarding the issue of period poverty, it was noted that a dedicated report on this matter was scheduled to be submitted to the Board in December 2018.
RESOLVED –
(a) That the approach towards developing ‘Thriving: A Child Poverty Strategy for Leeds’, be approved;
(b) That having reflected upon the barriers faced by children who live in poverty, the approach towards the development of the child poverty work across Leeds, including the work being undertaken with children, young people, families and communities in order to eradicate these barriers, be endorsed;
(c) That it be noted that the Director of Children and Families is responsible for the implementation of such matters.