Child poverty in Yeovil is on the rise, sparking concern from the area’s Liberal Democrat MP, Adam Dance, who has criticised the government’s lack of immediate support for families in rural communities. New data from the House of Commons Library reveals that relative child poverty in Yeovil increased from 17.7% in 2019–20 to 20.4% in 2023–24, highlighting a worsening situation for local children and families.
In a written Parliamentary Question to the Department for Work and Pensions, Mr Dance received confirmation from Minister of State Alison McGovern that a new Child Poverty Strategy is planned for publication in autumn 2025. The upcoming strategy aims to raise household incomes, reduce essential living costs, improve local support services—especially in early years—and enhance financial resilience for families.
However, Mr Dance warns that these measures are insufficient and too delayed to address the urgent needs facing Yeovil families today. “Too many children in Yeovil are growing up in poverty, and the problem is getting worse, not better,” he said. “Families are forced to choose between heating their homes, paying rent, or buying food. We need immediate action—not promises for the distant future.”
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While the government has introduced initiatives such as a £1 billion Crisis and Resilience Fund, expansions in free school meals, and investments in affordable housing and family services, Mr Dance argues that these often overlook the unique challenges faced by rural communities like Yeovil.
“Tackling child poverty requires direct investment in local schools, mental health support, transport, and community services—areas where rural families frequently miss out,” he added. “The government must prioritize these needs to ensure every child in Yeovil has a fair start in life.”