A new report shows that up to two in three children live in poverty in some wards across Lancaster and Morecambe.
Citizens Advice North Lancashire has today published a comprehensive report on child poverty in Lancaster and Morecambe, revealing the stark reality facing thousands of local families, and calling for immediate Government action ahead of the upcoming Budget.
The report says that on average, one in five children across Lancaster and Morecambe live in poverty, with rates as high as two in three children in the most deprived wards.
The life expectancy gap between the richest and poorest areas is more than a decade for men and eight years for women.
Joanna Young, Chief Executive of Citizens Advice North Lancashire, said: "Child poverty is an emotive issue, because it should be. Children who experience poverty are more likely to face Adverse Childhood Experiences and have fewer opportunities than their better-off peers.
‘’The impact of a childhood where basic necessities are scarce can leave lasting scars that extend far into adulthood. We cannot continue to accept these levels of inequality in our communities. The time for action is now."
The rising rates of deprivation have forced Citizens Advice North Lancashire, schools, charities, and statutory bodies to develop increasingly intensive interventions just to help families meet basic needs. The report argues that while these efforts are vital, they cannot substitute for systemic change.
The charity, which has offices in Lancaster and Morecambe, works in partnership with Morecambe Bay Foodbank on specific projects - their Early Years Project and Schools Projects, aimed at reducing foodbank use among families locally, by trying to provide advice and support to families who are struggling with poverty.
The research in the report comes directly from the experiences of families working with these projects, funded by Morecambe Bay Foodbank and the Trussell Trust. Local University of Lancashire student Skye Petra Ashworth also contributed to the report, focusing on the importance of Free School Meals. Skye is a Sociology student, and volunteered her time during the Summer to work on the report.
Ellie Curry, pictured above, the report author and a Citizens Advice North Lancashire Adviser, said: "Working on the frontline at Citizens Advice, I see every day the impossible choices families are forced to make - between heating and eating, between paying rent and buying school uniforms.
‘’This report is based on real experiences from our community, compiled with invaluable support from my colleagues from the Children and Family Wellbeing Service, the Olive Branch and Morecambe Bay Food Banks.
‘’The evidence is clear: child poverty in Lancaster and Morecambe demands urgent intervention, and if nothing is done, we’re going to see more young people pushed into poverty and facing deprivation.
‘’ With families across Lancaster and Morecambe struggling amid the cost-of-living crisis, Citizens Advice North Lancashire is urging Chancellor Rachel Reeves to prioritise these calls for action when she delivers her Budget next week.’’
Ellie Curry is a master's student in Public Policy at Lancaster University, where she also completed her undergraduate degree. She has worked and volunteered with Citizens Advice since 2022, developing a particular expertise and interest in welfare reform shaped by her experience as an adviser.
The report includes ten detailed calls for immediate action, with the most urgent being ending the two child limit and the benefits cap, and increasing the Local Housing Authority (LHA) rate which is the support that people receive for housing when they are on working age benefits.
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