Child poverty in Dewsbury, Batley and Heckmondwike among the worst in Kirklees

A report from the Campaign to End Child Poverty said the average rate for Kirklees, after housing costs were taken into account, was 26.95 per cent.

But the five council wards of Batley and Dewsbury all had rates of 28 per cent or higher.

Chairman David Holmes said that failing to invest cost more in the long term.

“Poverty ruins childhoods and reduces life chances.

“These figures reveal just how widely and deeply child poverty reaches into our communities, even those areas generally regarded as well off. Far too many children whose parents are struggling to make a living are suffering as a result and missing out on the essentials of a decent childhood that all young people should be entitled to. We can and must do better for our children.”

Batley East’s figure put child poverty at 34.86 per cent, Batley West at 31.73 per cent, Dewsbury East at 28.89 per cent, Dewsbury South on 35.54 per cent and Dewsbury West on 37.80 per cent, which was the worst in Kirklees.

Birstall and Birkenshaw fared better at 21.60 per cent. Mirfield, Cleckheaton, and Liversedge and Gomersal were all below the regional average at 16.11 per cent, 19.92 per cent and 24.11 per cent respectively. Heckmondwike was the only Spen ward to perform worse than the average at 27 per cent.