Poverty

I'm very pleased that Cornwall Council's Children, Education and Families Scrutiny Committee has decided to carry out an in-depth review of deprivation and children's poverty.  Cornwall and its people suffer greatly from poverty.  That is not just financial poverty resulting from low wages (in inself a reflection of an inbalance betweeen low and high skilled jobs) but also, more importantly, poverty of aspiration.  That lack of aspiration is clearly not universal.  However the positive areas of progress do not mask the continuing real need for major improvements.

Some individuals will find this lack of aspiration difficult to accept.  Some may not realise what they can achieve.  Some may choose to deny it.  However the evidence indicates that part of Cornwall's progress, towards achieving acceptable living standards and well being for all of its population, does require major and effective changes to be pout in place.

The Coalition Government has, quite rightly, maintained the previous Government's target of eradicating children's poverty by 2020.  Ten years seems like a long time.  It is not in the context of what needs to be done particularly as it should be done sooner rather than later.

The councillors involved in this review will take evidence from a variety of sources including some organisations and individuals deeply involved in the subject.  However anyone who has any thoughts, ideas or suggestions on this topic is invited to contact me; 01872 865407 or chridgers@cornwall.gov.gov.uk