Progress highlighted at Child Poverty Task Force Annual Conference
A wide range of practical action is making a difference to Powys children living in poverty, but more work is needed a conference has been told.
3,713 children in the county are still living in low-income households, including 2,244 who are below the poverty line.
Despite this, the Powys Child Poverty Task Force Annual Conference held last month, in Newtown, heard about significant progress. Initiatives highlighted included:
- Expansion of Integrated Family Centres, with further provision planned, including in Llandrindod Wells in 2027.
- Growth of the Food and Fun summer programme, which will reach 10 schools in 2026.
- Community Focused Schools delivering support in 52 locations, alongside thousands of targeted interventions for families.
- The Low-Income Family Tracker (LIFT) tool which is enabling more proactive targeting of financial support to households most in need.
- Direct financial support schemes which exceeded expectations, supporting 133 families against an initial target of 100.
The conference also placed strong emphasis on listening to lived experience. More than 400 young people contributed to the ‘Speak Truth to Powys’ survey, identifying key barriers such as cost, lack of transport and limited opportunities in their communities.
Workshops and panel sessions explored practical solutions, including improving access to services, strengthening multi-agency delivery, and developing community-based approaches backed by data and insight.
Looking ahead, Powys County Council and its partners from the voluntary and charitable sector, national organisations and young people agreed a series of priorities, including extending free school meals for eligible secondary pupils, embedding youth voice into decision-making, and implementing actions identified through the ‘Speak Truth to Powys’ programme.
Powys County Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for a Fairer Powys, Councillor Matthew Dorrance said: “Tackling child poverty must remain at the heart of everything we do in Powys. This conference has shown the strength of our partnerships and the real progress we are making together – from supporting families through our schools and communities, to listening directly to young people about their experiences.
“However, we know there is more to do. By continuing to work collaboratively, using data and lived experience to guide us, we can build a fairer Powys where every child has the opportunity to thrive.”
Three youth facilitators, who were recruited and supported by Powys Association of Voluntary Organisations (PAVO), addressed the conference, sharing the views and experiences of young people in Powys.
Clair Swales, PAVO CEO, said: “Thank you to the youth facilitators who gave their time to attend the conference and ensure the voices of young people were heard.
“We are proud to support them and to see the difference they are making across the county, as well as the commitment they have shown to the future of Powys. Their role will be central to embedding youth voice in decision-making.
“Addressing child poverty is an issue for everyone in the county, and we look forward to continuing to work in partnership to achieve the best possible outcomes for our young people.”
The Child Poverty Task Force will now take forward the outcomes from the conference into its action planning, ensuring continued focus on delivering meaningful improvements for children, young people and families across Powys.
The task force’s annual conference ‘Symud Ymlaen’ (‘Moving Forward’) was held at The Hafren in Newtown on Thursday 18 June. The speakers included Powys County Council’s Anti-Poverty Champion, Councillor Joy Jones, who represents the Newtown East ward.
MAIN PHOTO: Youth Facilitator Alexi of Ysgol Calon Cymru (Llandrindod Wells), speaking at the Symud Ymlaen: Child Poverty Task Force Annual Conference as part of the ‘Speak Truth to Powys’ project
IMAGE IN THE BODY OF THE ARTICLE: Youth Facilitator Holly of Ysgol Calon Cymru (Llandrindod Wells), speaking at the Symud Ymlaen: Child Poverty Task Force Annual Conference as part of the ‘Speak Truth to Powys’ project