URL: https://democracy.warwickshire.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=1123

Decision Maker:

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose:

Content: This Council Notes:   1.            That child poverty is rising across Warwickshire, with thousands of children growing up in households that cannot afford basic necessities such as healthy food, warm clothing, and stable housing.   2.            That the continuing cost-of-living crisis, high housing costs, and pressures on local services are deepening inequalities and forcing many working families into hardship.   3.            That the Council needs to provide sufficient targeted support for children and families across Warwickshire.   4.            That tackling child poverty is not just a moral obligation but a social and economic necessity - as childhood disadvantage leads to poorer health, lower educational attainment, and reduced life chances.   This Council Believes:   1.            That no child in Warwickshire should be left behind because of the circumstances of their birth or family income.   2.            That local government has both the power and responsibility to take action, even when national policies fall short.   3.            That in order to speed up progress requires a joined-up, cross-sector approach bringing closer together education, health, housing, social care, and the voluntary sector. 4.            That investment in children and families now prevents far greater social and financial costs in the future.   This Council Resolves To:   1.            Ask for a report to be brought to Children and Young People Overview and Scrutiny Committee, by Q2?2026,?with?a draft Warwickshire Child Poverty Reduction Strategy (2026–2030) - setting out a performance framework for reducing child poverty and improving Free School Meal uptake, subject to legal and equalities compliance and statutory consultation as required.   2.            Request the Monitoring Officer and Chief Finance Officer to advise on governance and funding routes for establishing a cross-party Child Poverty Commission, involving councillors, officers, schools, health partners, and voluntary groups, and for the commission to report to Children and Young People Overview and Scrutiny Committee with proposals prior to seeking any required decisions from Cabinet.   3.            Ask officers to scope and pilot a Child Poverty Impact Assessment framework for major budget proposals and capital projects, and report to Children and Young People Overview and Scrutiny Committee with the outcomes and future proposals following the conclusion of the pilot.  

Date of Decision: December 16, 2025