TWENTY-TWO per cent of children in Hillingdon live below the poverty line, according to figures released by campaign group End Child Poverty.

The figure is about average for London, with most boroughs scoring somewhere between 15 and 39 per cent.


The worst borough is Tower Hamlets, with a child poverty rate of 52 per cent, which also makes it the poorest local authority area in the country.
Richmond-upon-Thames has the lowest child poverty rate in London, at nine per cent.


The wards of West Drayton and Townfield rate the worst in our borough - both at 34 per cent.


The two wards of Eastcote and East Ruislip and Ickenham fare the best, with a rate of only four per cent.


The figures are based on tax credit data as well as recent regional unemployment trends.


Last summer, a report by the Department of Health found that a quarter of children in the borough - 15,340 - were living on a budget below the basic set by officials.


The figures were based on the number of children living in low income or benefit-claiming households.


Dr Ellis Friedman, joint director of public health for Hillingdon NHS and Hillingdon Council, said that figure was still low compared to the rest of the capital and that the council was working with partners to increase job opportunities and employment.


Townfield ward councillor Peter Curling said: This is a very alarming report, although sadly not surprising and with the current governments austerity measures and swathing cuts, together with their assault on the welfare and benefits system, things can only get worse.  


"It is a shameful indictment on our society, for children to live in this sort of poverty and I challenge anyone who says there is no poverty in this country.


Councillor David Simmonds, Hillingdon Councils cabinet member for childrens services, said the council was always working to improve living standards.


He said: "Our efforts are focussed on providing best quality housing and access to educational opportunities, which gives children the best possible chance to gain employment in the future."