Partners working together to tackle child poverty

8 March 2024

"Partnership working is key if child poverty is to be tackled in Powys" - that was message to those who attended a child poverty conference hosted by the county council.

The second Child Poverty Task Force Conference, which was hosted by Powys County Council, took place at the end of February.

During the conference, attendees heard from the council as well its partners in the public, voluntary and charity sectors about the work that has been undertaken to tackle child poverty in the county.

Key activities to support children and young people in Powys that were highlighted during the conference included:

• Over 550,000 school meals have been served to primary school pupils under the as part of the Universal Free School Meals initiative
• Community-led sustainability hub The Hive, based in Llandrindod Wells, provided almost 1,500 families with clothing and footwear to the value worth over £100,000 between November 2022 and December 2023
• A joint catering project between the council and NPTC Group of Colleges which saw parents develop skills and experience and gain a qualification which could lead to working in school kitchens
• PAVO's Youth Led Grant Scheme, which is a scheme for young people and is delivered by young people, has had over 720 beneficiaries across the county
• 1,470 play packs delivered to families in Flying Start areas.

In addition, conference attendees also heard from speakers from Children in Wales and the Child Poverty Action Group.

During the conference, the Child Poverty: Making a difference Award is being launched to recognise the efforts of individuals, professionals, businesses and organisations who have gone above and beyond to help tackle child poverty and improve opportunities for children and families here in Powys.

Cllr Matthew Dorrance, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for a Fairer Powys, said: "I was honoured to chair this year's Child Poverty Task Force Conference.

"It was pleasing to hear the progress that the council and its partners have made to tackle child poverty in the county.

"Partnership working is key if we are to make a real difference in this area and I'm proud of the progress achieved so far. However, we know that we need to double-down and do more because child poverty is still affecting too many families here in Powys and is being made worse by the cost of living crisis.

"Together we can tackle child poverty and build a stronger, fairer, greener Powys."