New government data released on 26 March 2026 shows that nearly one in three children across the North East are growing up in poverty, highlighting the scale of hardship facing families in the region.
The figures, published by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), reveal that 30% of babies, children and young people in the North East were living in poverty in the three years to 2024/25 after housing costs are taken into account. This is higher than the UK-wide rate of 27%, equivalent to around four million children.
For the first time, the government has also published child poverty statistics after housing costs for every parliamentary constituency and local authority, creating what it describes as a baseline to measure progress under its new national child poverty strategy.
Widespread poverty across constituencies and councils
The data shows that child poverty is widespread across the North East. 19 out of 27 constituencies and 10 out of 12 local authorities have at least one in four children living below the poverty line.
Campaigners warn this translates into real hardship, with families increasingly relying on food banks and baby banks, and children growing up in cold or unsafe housing conditions.
The highest levels of child poverty were recorded in parts of Middlesbrough and Newcastle. In Middlesbrough and Thornaby East, 44% of children are living in poverty, followed by 40% in Newcastle Central and West.
Other areas with particularly high rates include Easington (33.4%), Newcastle East and Wallsend (32.3%), and Redcar (32.0%).
Local authority figures highlight regional disparities
At local authority level, Middlesbrough recorded the highest rate at 38.7%, followed by Hartlepool at 31.9% and Redcar and Cleveland at 31.3%. Newcastle stands at 30.9%, while Sunderland is at 29.7%.
Lower rates were seen in North Tyneside (22.9%) and Northumberland (24.2%), though these still represent significant proportions of children affected.
Across wider areas, 28.0% of children in the North East Combined Authority were living in poverty, rising to 31.3% in the Tees Valley.
Government measures welcomed but concerns remain
The data reflects a period before the implementation of new government measures, including the planned removal of the two-child limit in Universal Credit from April 2026 and expanded free school meal eligibility in England from September 2026.
These policies are expected to reduce child poverty levels, with tens of thousands of children in the North East projected to benefit. However, campaigners stress that further action will be needed.
Lived experience highlights impact on families
Sophie, 22, a youth ambassador from Newcastle with the End Child Poverty Coalition, said the figures represent more than statistics.
“The figures published today[March 26] are not just numbers on a graph – they represent thousands of babies, children and young people across the North East living difficult lives and having their potential limited because of poverty,” she said.
Describing her own upbringing, she added: “Growing up in a family that constantly struggled to make ends meet, I know the harsh realities, suffocating anxiety and sense of exclusion that poverty brings. And this never leaves you.”
She warned that no child should have to worry about food or their family’s wellbeing, or have their opportunities restricted by where they grow up.
Calls for long-term investment
Suzanne Jobson, Vice Chair of the North East Child Poverty Commission and a director at Children North East, said the figures underline how many children are being held back.
“Scrapping the two-child limit and expanding free school meals are hugely important and welcome, but the Government cannot stop there,” she said.
Sean Harris, also a Vice Chair of the Commission and Director at Tees Valley Education, said the new data would help better understand local challenges but warned of ongoing pressures.
“Far too many are struggling with economic uncertainty, insecure work, and rising housing pressures,” he said. “The action taken so far must be matched by sustained, long-term investment.”
Coalition urges continued action
Sophie Livingstone, Chair of the End Child Poverty Coalition and CEO of Little Village baby banks, said no child should experience poverty.
“While measures like scrapping the two-child limit and widening access to free school meals will make a meaningful difference, they are only part of the solution,” she said.
“We need sustained, long-term commitment from government to ensure every child has what they need to thrive. Anything less risks more families being pushed to the brink.”
Campaigners say the newly published data should serve as a wake-up call, urging ministers to go further and faster to tackle child poverty across the North East and beyond.
This article is based on a media release from NECPC, compiled by Chat GPT, and edited by North East Bylines.
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