County publishes latest plans to help break the cycle of child poverty 

Plans to help reduce poverty for the county's 26,000 children whose future life chances are at a disadvantage in terms of their health, education and finding work, are set to get the go ahead by Nottinghamshire County Council's children and young people's committee next Monday (17 October).

Government data, at the time these plans were being drawn up, highlight that 15.9 per cent of children (ages 0-18) are living in poverty in Nottinghamshire, slightly below the national average of 18 per cent and 17 per cent across the East Midlands.

However child poverty levels are higher than the national average in Ashfield (21.5%) and Mansfield (21.8%).

More than 20 actions are being proposed as part of the Council's multi-agency approach - underlining its commitment to continuing to tackle the causes and mitigating the effects of poverty especially in the areas of highest need.

Rachel Clark, child poverty and parenting manager for NCC said: 

"Child poverty is something no one wants to see, which is why we are continuing a strong partnership approach to help tackle this problem, as it cuts across many social and economic issues. Ultimately, we want to help break the cycle of child poverty and prevent poor children becoming poor parents.  

“We are working hard in particular to ensure that we are ready for the roll out of the extension of universal free childcare for three and four year olds next September 2017.

“We’ve already had positive feedback from more than 1,700 local families via our recent survey targeting parents who have toddlers coming up to the eligible age range. The majority confirmed that the forthcoming 30 hours of free childcare will allow them to work longer hours or go back to work, with 77 per cent of families telling us that the free childcare would significantly reduce their childcare costs. 
 
“Staff can then offer families the chance to have someone to talk to about their situation, offer them some practical advice and tips about how to make the most of their budgets, support unemployed parents by helping them find work and helping families check that they are getting all the benefits that they are entitled to, as well as encouraging families to access parent support where necessary.

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