Families in Luton most affected by extreme poverty dreading the winter
With extreme poverty hitting Luton more than neighbouring towns, families within the borough are bracing themselves for a dreaded winter.
Luton is known locally for being harshly affected by poverty, particularly when it comes to families and children.
Once again, all eyes are on the town, as figures from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation revealed Luton as the tenth most affected place in the UK for destitution, which is extreme poverty.
The council is well aware of the growing issue, and told Greatest Hits Radio they are working hard to reverse the worrying trend.
Hazel Simmons, the Leader of Luton Council, said: "It's definitely got worse over the last ten, 15 years, and it is time to focus on making sure children are not living in destitution. That is appalling in a country like the UK, at this time."
"...people are having to make decisions between heating and food."
In turn, more and more families are turning to charities for support, especially in colder months.
Ms Simmons said: "We've certainly seen a rise in our foodbank where people are having to make decisions between heating and food."
"That is a very clear one for me, and families who have struggled through the last winter are now dreading this winter. These are the kinds of things I see as a ward councillor, more than anything else."
One thing the Council Leader pointed out was the lack of benefits claim, where residents are not always aware of what support is available to them.
She said: "Far too many people incorrectly think that they are not eligible for benefits. Thousands of pounds are left and not claimed, so we're doing all we can to make sure anybody who is eligible get what they are able to claim."
Amongst campaigns and local policies implemented to tackle growing poverty concerns, Luton Council launched, in 2020, the Luton 2040 vision.
It is aimed at significantly reducing poverty within the next 17 years, alongside other core issues.