A new report published by the charity Action for Children shows the true extent of child poverty in Sheffield Heeley. The report shows that poverty rates have steadily increased across the country over the last decade, since the Conservatives came to power.

Here in Sheffield Heeley, more than 6,400 children were in poverty in 2020/21 – that’s 36% of children which has increased by nearly 7% since 2014/15.

More than 30% of children in the constituency are entitled to free school meals and approximately 26,000 children in Sheffield are from a disadvantaged background.

The report paints an equally stark picture in relation to Foodbank usage. According to the Trussell Trust network of foodbanks across Sheffield – foodbank usage has increased from 2,999 in 2014/15 to more than 23,000 in 2021/22. This is a 666% increase in eight years.

Louise Haigh MP for Sheffield Heeley, said:

“The figures released by Action for Children are truly shocking and it is a national disgrace that millions of children across the country, and more than 6.400 children are living in poverty in Sheffield Heeley.

“The true consequences of successive Tory governments have been shown through these figures – more than 31% of children are living in a household supported through Universal Credit and 42% of those are working households.  Meaning people are going out to work and unable to pay their bills or put food on the table.

“The cost-of-living crisis is a national emergency. More than 46,000 are currently living in fuel poverty in Sheffield, whilst energy producers are making billions in profits each year.

“Sheffield and the country needs a change – and that change is a Labour Government. We are committed to a real living wage, to a new social security system which provide a basic standard of living for everyone, and we’ll establish breakfast clubs for all primary schools.

“Labour has a plan that will ensure that every child has the best start and opportunities to fulfil their full potential.”