One in five York children lives in poverty - Citizens Advice

DESPITE advances in social policies and economic growth over the past two centuries, one in five children in York lives in poverty today - a stark reminder of the enduring inequalities in society.

In the early 19th century, York’s children faced widespread deprivation due to the industrial revolution’s economic upheavals. Poor working conditions, low wages, and lack of social safety nets left many families unable to meet their basic needs. Children were often compelled to work in factories or as domestic servants, sacrificing their education and health to contribute to meagre household incomes. Public health issues, such as malnutrition and inadequate housing, were rampant, perpetuating a cycle of poverty across generations.

Today, while the nature of poverty has changed, its effects are no less devastating. Rising living costs, stagnant wages, and an inadequate social welfare system contribute to modern-day child poverty. Families struggle to afford essentials such as nutritious food, proper clothing, and suitable housing. The impact on children is profound: poor physical and mental health, reduced educational attainment, and limited life opportunities.

York’s historic wealth and cultural heritage often mask the realities of deprivation. The city boasts impressive architecture and a thriving tourism industry, yet these benefits do not extend equally across its population. The most affected children often live in areas with limited access to quality services, such as education and healthcare. The stark contrast between York’s affluence and its pockets of poverty echoes the disparities of the 19th century. It also has a devastating effect on the mental health of the poorest, as comparisons to others are all too apparent.

Contributing factors to today’s child poverty include insecure employment, and rising housing costs. Many parents work in low-paid or zero-hour contract jobs that offer little financial security, while high private landlord rental prices in York further strain household budgets.

Citizens Advice York, alongside many other charities in York and City of York Council, know that efforts to combat child poverty must be multi-faceted. Expanding access to affordable housing and ensuring that all families receive adequate financial support are critical steps. We see more and more community initiatives in York, such as food banks, providing vital aid but, alone they cannot address the systemic issues driving poverty.

One of the standout initiatives this year has been Westfield Primary School trialling free school lunches. Pupils in reception, Year 1 and Year 2 who attend state-funded schools in England already receive free lunches, but this scheme includes Years 3-6. This will benefit about 300 children. This is part of the authority’s long-term commitment to becoming an anti-poverty city within the next ten years.

Kai and Amy (not their real names), a hardworking couple living in Westfield, York, are parents to two children, aged 7 and 9. Kai works full-time at a warehouse outside York, incurring significant travel costs, while Amy works part-time in a shop, as they cannot afford the high cost of childcare. Despite their combined efforts, they struggle to make ends meet and are not receiving Universal Credit as they are diligently saving for a house deposit.

The family rents a privately-owned home for £1,550 per month - an amount that consumes much of their income. They’ve calculated that owning a similar house with a mortgage could save them nearly £700 monthly. If they buy a house and make this saving it will resolve their financial issues and they will be self sufficient, a state they really want to be in as Amy remembers the struggle of her family being on benefits as a child. The family relies heavily on free school lunches from Westfield Primary School, which they describe as a “lifesaver”. Amy says that the lack of stigma as all children are the same is a big factor for her as she remembers feeling ashamed as a child when she had them.

Last Christmas, their children received only Christmas crackers and sweets as presents, a stark reminder of their financial constraints. This year, they worry about similar challenges but remain determined to provide a better future for their family. Their resilience reflects the harsh realities faced by many families in similar situations, highlighting the urgent need for systemic support and affordable housing solutions.

The persistence of child poverty in a city as historically significant as York underscores a broader societal failure to tackle inequality. We should all want to work together to ensure that every child, regardless of background, has access to opportunities that enable them to thrive. Without decisive action, York risks repeating the mistakes of the past, allowing inequality to define another generation’s future.

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