Coventry Telegraph front page: January 23

TENS of thousands of children across Coventry and Warwickshire are living in poverty, new figures show.

When they grow up, they are likely to die up to 12 years younger than their wealthy neighbours – often before they reach retirement age.

They are also more likely to suffer a host of health problems, ranging from cancer to tooth decay.

Four out of every nine children in one deprived inner city district of Coventry – St Michaels – are growing up below the poverty line.

Coun Dave Nellist represents this ward which includes Hillfields, city centre and parts of upper Stoke and has the highest rate of child poverty in the region.

He said the figures showed the main political parties had failed children by putting business interests before ordinary people. He called for a radical change.

“This paints a disturbing picture of family life and children’s poverty in Coventry where children start their lives with all the odds stacked against them,” he said.

“Children are the victims. They haven’t caused the banking crisis.”

The Marmot Review – the government Bible on public health and inequality – warns children raised in poverty are likely to get a worse education, a worse job and live shorter, unhappier and unhealthier lives.

They are more likely to be born underweight, less likely to be breastfed and more likely to die as babies.

They are also at greater risk of:

* Being admitted to hospital for breathing or other health problems.

* Poor dental health.

* Being exposed to harmful tobacco smoke before and after birth.

* Becoming overweight or obese.

When they grow up children from poor backgrounds are more likely to become teenage parents and more likely to die young from heart attacks, strokes and cancer.

John Forde, director of public health for Coventry, said: “There are huge challenges in managing and addressing the negative impact of poverty on the health and well being of children in the city.”