40 per cent of children in some Walsall areas living in extreme poverty

The figures for the Walsall borough were discussed at a council meeting on Monday when councillors unanimously agreed urgent action is needed to stop the increase in child poverty levels, which is affecting thousands of youngsters.

There has been an continued rise in the number of children in poverty over the past 10 years with areas such a Blakenall reaching 42 per cent.

A survey of 3,500 young people also found that nine per cent are always or often hungry because there is not enough food at home.

The disturbing figures has prompted an urgent review of the situation across the borough. The issue was highlighted to the council in a report by councillors Ian Robertson, Sean Coughlan and Kath Phillips.

The report claims the situation is 'now so serious and imminent, an urgent updated review' is needed and an action plan to tackle the problem is to be decided.

Within the Walsall borough there are around 16,000 children living in poverty, a figure which is feared will rise because of welfare reforms planned by central government, according to the borough councillors.

The poverty figures have been blamed on changes within welfare reform including a reduction of the tax credit earnings threshold.

The report states that the main cause of child poverty used to be mainly unemployment, but changes to the economical structure, increase in low pay and part time work mean more children are living in poverty are in households where at least one parent works.

The deputy mayor, Councillor Phillips, who is also a magistrate, said it was an 'emotional' topic and urged all councillors to show their support.

She said: "We need to look seriously at what we are doing. I see poverty week in and week out at court. Court costs are rising and we are fining people who are stealing food." The report claims that the level of poverty in the borough has had indirect consequences of driving more families into debt and forcing a rise in levels of inequality.

The figures have also contributed to poor diets and a rise in the number of people who are overweight.

The report also warns that the situation could get worse.

Speaking at the meeting Councillor Diane Coughlan added: "Poverty ruins childhoods and parents are suffering and struggling to make a living."

She added: " It is a reality that some children in our borough can't afford the right clothes and they are going to school in the winter in summer shoes and a thin coat."

Councillor Aftab Nawaz said: "We have a lot of wealth in this country and we should be ashamed that there are children in this country going to bed at night hungry and without a meal." He added that some parents of poverty stricken youngsters were working. He said: "Tax credits were important to everyone. There are people who go out to work, work hard and still can't afford to feed their children." In 2013 the council created a plan for 2013-2016 with a priority to reduce the impact of child poverty.

The council's health and wellbeing strategy also includes a priority to reduce the impact on families of workless parents.