Public health officials in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly have made an urgent call to address the growing crisis of child poverty in the region. According to the 2025 Director of Public Health annual report, around 27,000 babies, children, and young people under the age of 19 are currently living in relative poverty. One young resident described growing up in poverty as a “hard place to grow up,” but also a life experience that builds resilience and awareness of harsh realities.
Dr. Eunan O’Neill, Director of Public Health for Cornwall, emphasized that child poverty impacts every aspect of a young person’s life and described it as “a crisis that cannot be ignored.” The report defined poverty as lacking the financial means to afford basic necessities such as rent, food, and heating. Statistics show that 22.9% of children in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly live in poverty—higher than the national average of 21.9%.
Dr. O’Neill highlighted that poverty is not an inevitable condition but one shaped by policies, systems, and collective choices, urging collaborative action to bring about change. To address this, the report recommended the formation of a multi-agency child poverty taskforce to coordinate efforts and develop effective interventions.
Cornwall Council cabinet member for children, families, and schools, Hilary Frank, called the findings an “uncomfortable truth,” noting that many families are forced to go without basic necessities such as warm clothing, proper meals, or opportunities for personal development. Meanwhile, Thalia Marrington, cabinet member for community safety and public health, encouraged residents to read the report and reflect on ways to contribute to a better future for children and young people in the region.
