Lincoln City Profile Report Reveals Rising Child Poverty Rates
In the latest Lincoln City Profile report from the City of Lincoln Council, indicators of child poverty in Lincoln reveal a disturbing trend. There is an increase in the number of children under 16 living in relative low-income families, with the percentage rising significantly from 19.5% in 2021 to 30.5% in 2022.
Understanding 'Relative Low Income'
A family in 'relative low income' is defined as one that has claimed Child Benefit and at least one other household benefit at any point in the year, before housing costs. The percentage of these families in Lincoln is currently 10.4% higher than the national average.
"We are saddened by the latest child poverty statistics in the Lincoln Council report, but unsurprised at the level of need depicted," said Simone Connolly, CEO of FareShare Midlands, the region's largest food redistribution charity.
Increased Efforts to Alleviate Poverty
FareShare Midlands is intensifying its efforts to support children and families in need. The charity is calling on local food suppliers to provide surplus food, and encouraging local residents to volunteer in the fight against waste and poverty.
Challenging Times for Lincoln's Families
Struggling families also receive support from Acts Trust, which runs Lincoln Foodbank and Lincoln Community Grocery. CEO Simon Hawking stated, "It can be a really difficult place to be in when every penny counts and there often isn't enough."
Additional Findings from the Lincoln City Profile
- Lincoln has the sixth highest number of Universal Credit claimants compared to similar local authorities, with a total of 3,125 claimants in April 2023.
- The city has the highest burglary and shoplifting rates among its 'nearest neighbours'.
- Lincoln's under-75 cancer mortality rate in 2021 stood at 153.6 per 100,000 people, significantly above the England rate of 121.5.