Poverty is condemning far too many children to a bleak future

Dr Owen Gill, Barnardo's report author

Bristol-based Dr Gill carried out the research during summer 2001 in Bristol, Bath, Gloucestershire, Somerset and Wiltshire.

His figures were compiled using government statistics on income-deprived families, which rely on benefits.

The report suggests they often have worse health, achieve less at school and as a result are less likely to get the better jobs in society.

'Bleak future'

Dr Gill said: "There is a clear link between poverty and negative outcomes in life.

"What we are saying is that poverty is condemning far too many children to a bleak future."

According to the report, rural areas in the West are some of the worst affected.

In Taunton, Somerset, 37% percent of children are brought up in poverty.

Dr Gill's research included detailed interviews with parents on benefits.

Barnardo's says 37% of Taunton children are poor

A common theme to emerge was the problem of repaying social fund loans.

People on low incomes can apply for this money to help fund large purchases such as furniture.

Repayments are deducted at source from benefits which can leave families short.

The report showed that Becky Knight, a lone parent with one child, on a benefit of �100.40 a week was having that benefit cut to �89.40 as she had to pay �11 a week for her social fund loan.

The deduction prevented her from buying things beyond the bare necessities for her daughter Toni.

Ms Knight said: "I get by. It's just the extras you've never got. Like if Toni is ill, I've never got any money for Calpol, and things like that."

Barnardo's says replacing the loans with grants would have a positive impact on the poorest in society.

'Lost childhood'

A second theme to emerge from the research was the bleakness of day-to-day life.

Dr Gill said: "Children and parents need to feel there is some leeway, some scope for the occasional treat. But there isn't.

"As one parent said to me 'kids lose their childhood when money is short.' There is never anything to look forward to."

He went on: "We need to say it loud and clear that children have rights to adequate resources, regardless of their parents' ability to get a job."