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Child Poverty

Child Poverty in Telford and Wrekin: Finally in the Spotlight, But Are We Asking the Right Questions?

We're diving into a topic that's been simmering under the surface for far too long: child poverty in Telford and Wrekin. It’s a relief that local press like the "Shropshire Star" and "Telford Live" have finally turned their attention to this pressing issue. But let's get real—it's overdue. And while it's great to see the headlines, are we really holding those in power accountable?

The Numbers Speak Volumes

First, a quick reality check. Over 10,000 children in Telford are living in families with relatively low incomes. That’s a shocking 27.1% of children under 16 for 2023-24. Just a year ago, this figure was slightly lower at 26%. This isn't just a local blip—since 2010, the UK has seen an increase of 700,000 children living in poverty.

Let’s Talk Accountability

Mark Webster, the Disability Officer for the local Green Party, flagged this issue 11 months ago. Yet, it took nearly a year for it to hit the headlines. And now that it has, the coverage seems to be a platform for politicians to engage in self-promotion rather than a call to action.

Shaun Davies, Labours MP for Telford, for instance, talks about the government's commitment to tackling child poverty, pointing to education and well-paid work as solutions. 

But let's dig deeper. Davies has voted against policies that could lift thousands out of poverty, like scrapping the two-child cap. It’s a classic case of talking the talk but not walking the walk.

Real Stories, Real Struggles

Councillor Shirley Reynolds acknowledges the grim reality—over 10,000 young people in the area live in low-income households. Yet, she hesitates to support measures that could directly alleviate some of these struggles, such as stopping the taxation of disabled children's income.


Economic Disparities

The wage gap in Telford is another glaring issue. Men earn over 10% less than the UK average, while women earn over 15% less. These economic disparities contribute heavily to the cycle of poverty, and blows a huge hole in Shaun Davies assertion that, (as qouted in the local press) “The way out of poverty is good education and well-paid work.” Where is this well paid work? Not in Telford!

Davies has also supported real terms cuts to Telford schools, with schools like The Telford Langley having cuts of £824,521 or £742 per pupil with more to come, or Hadley Learning Community which has lost £2.8 million or £2254 per pupil with more coming down the line. How can schools deliver improved education facing ongoing cuts?

Proposed Solutions: Are They Enough?

While initiatives like the Renters’ Rights Bill sound promising, they’re still in legislative limbo. Meanwhile, the Household Support Fund has been extended, offering £2.669 million for 2025-26. But the criteria set by the council often exclude the families most in need, particularly those with disabilities.

What Needs to Change?

It’s clear that more needs to be done. Scrapping the two-child benefit cap could inject millions into local economies, according to a report by the End Child Poverty Coalition. It’s time for local leaders like Shaun Davies MP, Cllr Shirley Reynolds and Cllr Lee Carter to embrace such measures and genuinely support the families they represent.

A Call to Action

So, let’s keep the conversation going. Let’s push for more than just surface-level solutions and demand accountability from our leaders. It’s time for Telford and Wrekin to become a beacon of change, not just for show, but for real, impactful improvement in the lives of our children.

Let's ensure that the next time the press covers this issue, it's to report on genuine progress, not just more empty promises.

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