MP raises concerns over rising child poverty in South Somerset
Adam Dance, the Liberal Democrat MP for Yeovil, has questioned the Government’s response to increasing child poverty in South Somerset
Last updated 7th Jul 2025
New data from the House of Commons Library shows that the proportion of children living in relative poverty in Yeovil rose from 17.7% in 2019–20 to 20.4% in 2023–24. In a written Parliamentary Question to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), Adam Dance, the Liberal Democrat MP for Yeovil, asked the government what steps are being taken to reduce child poverty in his constituency.
In response, Minister of State Alison McGovern MP said: "Delivering our manifesto commitment to tackle child poverty is a priority for this Government." She also confirmed that the Government plans to publish a new Child Poverty Strategy in autumn 2025, focused on four themes: increasing incomes, reducing essential costs, boosting financial resilience, and improving local support- particularly in the early years.
In response, Mr Dance said: “Families across our area are doing their best but facing impossible choices between heating, eating and rent. While I welcome the Government’s commitment to a strategy, the truth is that children in our community need action now, not vague plans for the autumn."
“Tackling child poverty means investing in local services, schools, mental health support and transport - all areas where rural communities like ours have been overlooked,” he added. “The Government must do more to ensure children in Yeovil get the start in life they deserve.”
The Government says that recent measures, including an expansion of free school meals, a new ÂŁ1 billion Crisis and Resilience Fund, and investment in affordable housing and local family support, will begin to address the issue.