Welsh constituencies with highest levels of child poverty

The study by Loughborough University for the End Child Poverty Coalition reveals that 36 per cent of children in Blaenau Gwent and Rhymney, and 35 per cent of children in Newport East are living in poverty after housing costs are considered.

The new data show the constituencies with the highest levels of child poverty in Wales as Blaenau Gwent and Rhymney, followed by Rhondda and Ogmore, and Newport East.

The list also includes Merthyr Tydfil and Aberdare, Aberafan Maesteg, and Clwyd North, Cardiff South and Penarth and Swansea West all of which have a 34 per cent of children living in poverty.

Elsewhere, figures show that 33 per cent of children Ceredigion Preseli and Mid and South Pembrokeshire live in poverty. 

The research also highlights that 31 per cent of all children in Wales are living in poverty.

Only two of the 35 Welsh parliamentary constituencies have fewer than 25 per cent of children living in poverty.

Nationally, child poverty affects every community in Wales.

This can mean children lacking food, warm clothing, and living in unsafe housing.

The End Child Poverty Coalition, representing over 135 UK organisations, has raised concerns and called upon the government to address these figures.

Rachel Walters, the End Child Poverty Coalition manager, said: “No child in the Wales or beyond should have to experience poverty.

“These figures should demonstrate to government just how important it is to quickly address this so to prevent another generation of children from growing up in low-income families.

“The government’s strategy to tackle child poverty must invest in children in areas with higher levels of poverty.

“As a first step the government must scrap the two-child limit to benefit payments, a policy which continues to pull children into poverty every day.”

The research identifies a correlation between the two-child limit and child poverty across Wales.

It also emphasises the potential for devolved policy measures to lower child poverty rates.

The introduction of the Scottish Child Payment has reportedly reduced poverty levels in Scotland.

Dr Steffan Evans, head of policy (poverty) at the Bevan Foundation, said: “Whilst many of the key levers to tackle child poverty still remain at Westminster, this latest analysis highlights just how important a role the Welsh Government has to play in support children and their families.

“The Welsh Government have taken many welcome steps over recent years to address child poverty such as the introduction of universal free school meals in primary schools and in updating the education maintenance allowance to make sure it’s fit for purpose.

“The latest analysis highlights that there is a need for all political parties to be bolder in their commitments to end child poverty as attention turns to the Senedd election next year.”

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