Child poverty in Bognor and Littlehampton at 24 per cent

The End Child Poverty coalition’s findings have formed a new child poverty map of the UK.

Across the country it states 3.5 million are living in poverty in the UK, with more than 380,000 in the South East.

In Bognor Regis and Littlehampton the December 2015 figures show, after housing costs, the percentage of children living in poverty is 4,868 or 24.35 per cent - higher than the region average of 21 per cent.

Chichester was recorded at 20.18 per cent and Worthing 21.90 per cent.

End Child Poverty is calling on the Government to use the upcoming Autumn Statement to end the freeze on children’s benefits, and to reverse the sharp cuts being introduced to in-work benefits under Universal Credit.

Chair of End Child Poverty Sam Royston said: “Our children are now twice as likely to be poor as our pensioners.

“Many families who are just about managing today, won’t be managing tomorrow if Universal Credit leaves them with fewer pounds in their pocket, and if rising costs of living means their money doesn’t stretch as far as it used to.

“This month’s Autumn Statement is a major opportunity for the new government to act to help these families. We urge the Chancellor to reverse the significant cuts to Universal Credit targeted at working families and, at the very least, shield children’s benefits from inflation.”

The highest figures, which saw as many as 34 per cent of children are living in poverty in some areas, were recorded in large cities such as London, Birmingham and Manchester.

The parliamentary constituencies with the lowest levels of child poverty are listed as Gordon, West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine, Sheffield Hallam, and York Outer, with figures between nine and ten per cent.