First ever Child Poverty Task Force Conference held

14 February 2023

A task force that will tackle child poverty in Powys has held its first ever conference.

The Child Poverty Task Force Conference was hosted by Powys County Council in Llandrindod Wells last week (Wednesday, February 8).

During the conference, attendees heard about the work of the Child Poverty Task Force, which was formed last July.

Since its formation, the task force has been mapping the support that is currently being provided to families across the county by the council and its partners and address any gaps that are found.

The task force has also co-produced its Child Poverty Task Force Action Plan, which was officially launched at the conference.

In addition, conference attendees also saw presentations from The Bevan Foundation and Children in Wales.

Cllr Matthew Dorrance, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for a Fairer Powys, said: "I was delighted to Chair the first ever Child Poverty Task Force Conference, which saw our action plan officially launched.

"The action plan, which was endorsed at the conference, reaffirms our commitment to working with communities, partners and colleagues across the county to tackle child poverty and improve opportunities for children and families here in Powys.

"It's a really important piece of work that builds on the work that has been carried out by the Child Poverty Task Force since it was formed last year.

"I'm proud of the efforts that we've made so far but there is more to do. Together we can tackle child poverty and build a stronger, fairer, greener Powys."

Cllr Joy Jones, the council's Anti-Poverty Champion, said: "I was pleased to attend the first ever Child Poverty Task Force Conference and it was great to hear how partners have come together to look at different ways to tackle child poverty in our communities.

"It is extremely important that we work together and look at the best ways to tackle child poverty and make a real difference for children and families across the county."