Government ignorance failing Cornish children

7.29.21pm BST (GMT +0100) Mon 23rd Jul 2007

Local MP, Julia Goldsworthy, has called on the Government to undertake a comprehensive study into the level of child poverty in Cornwall.

The move comes after Work and Pensions Minister, Anne McGuire MP, admitted that the Government is unable to state how many Cornish children are estimated to be living in poverty. In a Parliamentary answer to Ms Goldsworthy, the Minister stated that the information was only available at a "regional" level. The official South West region extends from Cornwall to the northern border of Gloucestershire and has a population of 5 million people.

Commenting, Ms Goldsworthy said:

"It is unbelievable that the Government does not hold this data at a county level. The new Prime Minister has stated that tackling child poverty is one of his priorities but how can he do this when figures for Cornwall aren't even available?

"Cornwall is unique and by looking at the issue of child poverty in the context of the south west region means that our specific needs are being neglected.

"I have previously raised my concerns about the impact that the county's sky-high water bills are having on child poverty. Unless a comprehensive study into the number of Cornish children living in poverty is undertaken, the Government will be unable to properly address a problem that requires urgent action."