MORE than 14,000 children are living in poverty across Swindon.

According to End Child Poverty’s 2019 figures, there are 7,581 children in South Swindon who are impoverished and 6,575 in North Swindon.

Penhill (42 per cent) is the worst area in the town but the number of children in poverty overall in Swindon has dropped by 5.6 per cent.

Parks (40 per cent), Walcot (37 per cent) and Central (32 per cent)are not being far behind.

Across the UK 30 per cent of children were found to be impoverished and larger families are at a higher risk.

Being in poverty can have a long-lasting impact on children such as not being able to do well in school, impacts on their health and a shorter life expectancy.

Percentages take into account households with a total income of or below the following amounts (after housing costs):

* £204 a week or £10,700 a year for a lone parent with one child under 14.

* £314 a week or £16,400 a year for a couple with one child under 14.

* An additional £52 a week or £2,700 a year for each additional child under 14.

* An additional £110 a week or £5,700 a year for each additional child over 14.