NO ONE LEFT BEHIND: tackling poverty in Salford

A joint strategy from the Salford City Mayor and Salford Youth Mayor

February 2017 31 17 09 05 03 01 Contents

Delivering thestrategy What arewegoingtodoaboutit? Our vision Why doweneedanewstrategy? Foreword by theSalfordCityMayor What dowemeanby poverty? and SalfordYouthMayor

1. UKGovernment ChildPoverty Strategy 2014-17 very best chance ofapoverty free future. over thenext few years to give residents the and setsouttheapproach we willtake commitment to tackling poverty andinequality This strategy, therefore, restates Salford’s first-hand are attheheartofprocess. addressed iswhenthosewhoexperience it they face, astheonly waypoverty willbetruly stories to better understand thechallenges Commission, we have beenlistening to their Working withtheSalford Poverty Truth These are thepeople thatreally matter. people experiencing poverty every day. all thestatistics are thelives ofreal This isclearly notacceptable. Butbehind to become pooradultsthantheirpeers means they are almost four timesmore likely people inparticular,growing upinpoverty Poverty blightspeople’s lives. For young many partsofthecity. The fact remains thatsignificant levels ofpoverty continue to exist in all ofSalford’s residents are sharinginthebenefitsofthisprosperity. But despite thesuccess ofthecity’s continued growth, itisclear thatnot helped to create more new jobsandopportunitiesthanever before. significant publicandprivate investment over thelast ten years has Salford hasambitiousplansto become amodernglobal cityand and SalfordYouthMayor the SalfordCityMayor 1 . Foreword from outcomes for asmanypeople aspossible. the citydoeshave more effectively, to improve ordinate whatresources andcommunity assets more challenging. Thisiswhywe must co- pressure onpublicfinances willmake this task But nooneagencycan dothisalone. Continued and organisations to dothesame. change andinspire even more people This isouropportunityto drive positive best practice inthefightagainst poverty. We wantourwork to become abeacon of well as developing new waysofdoingthings. building onwhatwe know isalready working, as people from falling into poverty inthefirst place, ends meetnow, we must alsolook to prevent for themanyhouseholdsstruggling to make As well astaking actionto make thingsbetter Salford CityMayor

Lewis Nelson Salford Youth Mayor

1 NO ONE LEFT BEHIND: tackling poverty in Salford A joint strategy from the Salford City Mayor and Salford Youth Mayor 2017 2 rather thantheend’ start oftheconversation strategy isjustthe we areclearthat this not bequickoreasy, and ‘Tackling povertywill poverty andinequality” fulfilling livesfreefrom and liveprosperous reach theirfullpotential where everyoneisableto and moreinclusiveSalford “Our visionisforafairer Our vision Salford CityMayor andSalford Youth Mayor

3 NO ONE LEFT BEHIND: tackling poverty in Salford A joint strategy from the Salford City Mayor and Salford Youth Mayor 2017 What do we mean by poverty?

The experience of poverty can be about more than income alone, although undoubtedly income is still the main resource that people can use to meet their needs.

One of the most widely used definitions Although, we will continue to use of poverty is where a household’s income median household income to measure is below 60 per cent of the median after levels poverty (along with others), we housing costs are taken into account. have also developed our own definition The median is the middle number - so half of all that we believe more accurately households earn more than the median income captures the many different factors: household, and half earn less. Those households that earn less than 60 per cent of this middle amount are described as living in income poverty (also called relative poverty). The poverty line is adjusted to take into account how spending ‘Poverty applies to anyone needs differ between types of households. who is denied, through low Whilst this is easier to measure and can income or lack of resources, provide useful comparisons over time, it has also been criticised as somewhat narrow. the opportunity to participate The Salford Poverty Truth Commission, fully in the life of the along with the Joseph Rowntree Foundation both refer to poverty in terms of ‘a lack community and have quality of something’, not just money, but access to education, healthcare things like social participation, access to essential services like decent housing and and leisure activities, as sustainable employment opportunities. well as the necessities of life including good housing and adequate food and clothing’

4 5 6 3. 2015-16ONSAnnual Population Survey, Salford State oftheCityReport, 2. http://cpag.org.uk/content/who-lives-poverty national andlocal evidence Poverty ActionGroup of poverty, whichaccording to theChild disadvantaged communities most atrisk needs ofthesevulnerable people and This strategy willseekto reflect the risk oflivinginpoverty thanothers. certain groups thatface amuchhigher and personal circumstances, there are reducing poverty for people ofallages Although thisstrategy isaimedat family breakdown can happento anyone. such asunemployment, illhealth,debtor All typesofpeople live inpoverty. Key causes Who lives inpoverty? NOMIS, ONSLabour Market Profile 2 andananalysis of 3

includes

: receipt ofcarer’s allowance livinginSalford. three ormore children, and4,080people in with dependentchildren, 5,430families with are currently 9,847lone parent households in poverty locally, we doknow thatthere many ofthesevulnerable groups are living Although we donothave figures for how hours are particularly significant drivers. income from theneedto reduce working costs suchaschildcare ortheloss of children orcaring responsibilities. Extra experience poverty thanpeople without children andcarers are more likely to Lone parents, families withthree ormore Lone parents, larger families andcarers per cent) andEngland(5.4percent). higher thanbothGreater Manchester (6.7 or badinthe2011Census.Thisissignificantly per cent) recorded theirhealthasbeingvery bad work-limiting disabled, whilst 17,710people (7.6 to work dueto illness ordisability,whoare Salford aged16-64(24percent) are unable It isestimated thataround 37,200people in are more likely to live inpoverty. Families withatleast onedisabled person People withadisabilityorsuffering illhealth reducing poverty for thisvulnerable group. This continues to beasignificant barrierin over 70languagesbeingspoken intotal). speak Englishastheirmainlanguage(with ethnic minorityand16,085people donot (10 percent ofpopulation)belong to an 20,200 people aged16andover inSalford low take upandaccess to services. of unemployment, poorer housingand number ofreasons suchashigherlevels higher levels ofpoverty asaresult ofa Black andMinorityEthnicgroups experience refugees andasylumseekers) Some ethnicminoritygroups (inc grow steadily over thenext ten years. and over (currently 35,767)isexpected to In Salford, thenumberofpeople aged65 or assumptions thatthey are notentitled. entitlements they are dueto lackofknowledge older people are alsomissing outonthe pay, ortimeoutofemployment. Many retirement isoften linked to earlierlow living inpoverty intheUK.Low income in there are still estimated to beover 1.6million poverty hasdropped over thelast decade, Although thenumberofpensioners livingin Older people confidence to access publicservices. experience opportunitiesandoften lackthe it difficult to secure employment or work particular challenges, asthey often find Young people leaving care alsoface on aslittle as£1.50perdayfor food. struggles ofparents whoare budgeting insecure andanxiouswitnessing thedaily Children growing upinpoverty feel more cent ofchildren or7inaclassroom of30. to belivingin poverty in2016.That’s 23per There are 12,667Salford children estimated (including thoseleaving care) Children andyoung people per cent from theyear before). homeless in2016 (anincrease of73 352 householdswere deemedto be deterioration inmental andphysical health. problems, lackofwork, family breakdown and many aspectsofpoverty, includingfinancial Homelessness bothcauses andiscaused by Homeless andinsecurely housed more thanonemillioninthelast decade alone. amongst working people intheUKhasrisenby unemployment remains akey factor, poverty North West (5.1percent). Whilst itistruethat 7,800 (6.5percent) -higherthantherest ofthe The numberofpeople unemployed inSalford is Unemployed

7 NO ONE LEFT BEHIND: tackling poverty in Salford A joint strategy from the Salford City Mayor and Salford Youth Mayor 2017 8 6. Salford State of theCityCompendiumReport(2016) 5. NOMISdata (Jun 2016) 4. Childpoverty data 2014(published30Sept2016)andDWP data (Feb 2016) parts ofGreater Manchester andEngland. neighbourhoods, andwhencompared to other inequalities still exists between manyofour poverty. Local evidence people inthecityto remain in,oratriskof challenges remain thatare causing many But despite thisprogress somevery real which mayaccount for someofthisincrease). risen by4.2percent duringthesameperiod, cent in 2011to 111,100 in2016–ariseof8.3per Salford residents inemployment from 102,500 investment helpingto boost thenumberof investment and£425millionofpublicsector with more than£1.3billionofprivate sector of economic growth over thelast five years, Salford hasalsoseenunprecedented levels 26,980 in2011to 20,090in2016 claiming outofwork benefits reduced from (2.5 percent), whilst thenumberofpeople low income families fell from 14,940to 14,565 2009 and2014thenumberofchildren livingin For example, latest figures show thatbetween been madeintackling poverty across manyareas. Since our last strategy waspublished in2011,somegoodprogress has 5 . (althoughSalford’s populationhasalso 6 shows that huge shows thathuge 4 (25 per cent). (25percent). Why doweneeda new strategy? Boothstown and Ellenbrook, andClaremont. Hulton, andtheleast deprived beingWorsley, wards being , Broughton, andLittle also vary significantly, withthemost deprived Levels ofpoverty anddeprivation across Salford compared to 18percent intherest ofEngland. children (23percent) live inlow income families, 2016 show thatjust underaquarter ofallSalford In terms ofchildpoverty, current forecasts for to overcome to tackle multiple disadvantages. demonstrates thescale ofthechallenge we have 2010 (whenSalford wasranked 18th),itstill Although thisisaslightimprovement since local authorityarea inEngland(outof326). Salford isranked asthe22ndmost deprived range ofindicators to measure deprivation, Deprivation (IMD),whichbringstogether a According to thenationalIndex ofMultiple A picture ofpoverty inSalford

9 NO ONE LEFT BEHIND: tackling poverty in Salford A joint strategy from the Salford City Mayor and Salford Youth Mayor 2017 10 • • Some key facts neighbourhood areas inSalford. of overall deprivation across different The following mapshows thepattern highly deprived anddisadvantaged. population lives inareas classified as Around 70percent ofSalford’s behind Manchester andRochdale. deprived district inGreater Manchester Salford isranked asthe3rd most • 7. Children inlow-income families local measure: 2014 • where atleast oneadultisworking income families are growing up in homes Around 11percent ofchildren inlow school mealsinGM,at24percent. of primaryschoolchildren eligible for free Salford hasthesecond highest proportion 7 . 8. JosephRowntree Foundation: Monitoring poverty andsocialexclusion time work, increasing steadily since 2009. or onatemporary basis,butwantingfull with thenumberofpeople working parttime Underemployment, inparticular,isrising always aguaranteed route outofpoverty. that even whenpeople dowork itisnot in tackling poverty, itmust beacknowledged quality work willundoubtedly playamajorrole Although gettingmore local people into good and second highest inEngland. – thehighest rate inGreat Manchester per cent in2014to 8.1percent in2016 education ortraining increasing from 7.8 the numberaged16to 18notinemployment, Young people are particularly impacted, with captured withinofficial recorded statistics. claiming anybenefitsatall,andsoare not number ofunemployed people are not . Itisalsoestimated thatasignificant than therest ofGreater Manchester and fallen inrecent years, itstill remains higher of people claimingoutofwork benefitshas of in-work poverty. Althoughtheproportion is decliningbecause ofthesignificant rise unemployment andpoverty, althoughthis There isstill astrong association between Unemployment (andunderemployment) experiencing poverty. Thisincludes: continue to contribute to people’s riskof no single cause, butarange offactors available evidence suggests thatthere is can becomplex. Ananalysis ofthe The causes andconsequences ofpoverty Key causes andeffects ofpoverty 8

9. Low Pay andProductivity inGreater Manchester: New Economy August 2016 () beingmore than£27,000. highest income area () andlowest the city,withdifference between the the income gapbetween different partsof significant challenge also remains to narrow although there are signsthegapisclosing. A (23 percent) thantheUKaverage of£37,500, was £29,200.Thisisnearly aquarter lower In 2016,average household income inSalford security to pay for essential livingcosts. do nothave enoughmoney through social below thepoverty line,meaning they simply set atlevels thatleave recipients still living But thereality isthatthesebenefitsare through tax credits to top uptheirlow wages. Salford currently receives financialsupport As aresult, oneinsixworking householdsin as little as£3.87perhourfor under18s (55 percent) working inlow paidjobsandfor 25 are particularly badly hit,withwell over half Living Wage Foundation). Young people under Living Wage of£8.45(ascalculated bythe Manchester still payless thanthereal UK Nearly aquarter ofalljobsacross Greater such aspart-timeandzero hours contracts. the risein‘flexible’ forms ofemployment than elsewhere intheUK,particularly with Salford andGreater Manchester economy continues to bemore ofafeature ofthe Low paidwork andlow wagegrowth Low pay 9 .

11 NO ONE LEFT BEHIND: tackling poverty in Salford A joint strategy from the Salford City Mayor and Salford Youth Mayor 2017 12 Source: Citizens Advice Salford business thatsheworked sohard for. debts andhelpherto rebuild the was neededto helprestructure her A referral for specialiseddebtadvice the family becoming homeless. accommodation andled to fears of This jeopardised theretention ofher which were subjectto court orders. payments against herdebts,some As aresult, shewas unable to make borrow from family andfriends. care provision. Shewasforced to and shehadnoalternative child nursery fees for oneofherchildren income became far too low to payher While thiswasunderdispute, her employment through herbusiness. enough evidence ofherself- they believed shehadnotprovided HMRC stopped hertax credits as a financial“cushion” for her family. to quickly reduce the debtorcreate with minimalincome, wasnotable was already carrying several debtsand When shestarted herbusiness she towards herchildcare costs. credits thatincludedacontribution working tax credits andchildtax income wassupplemented by enough income to live onsoher The business didnotgenerate to setupherown business. some years, buthadmanaged in receipt ofbenefitincome for dependent children, hadbeen Sarah Living withdebtandlow pay Case study , asingle parent withthree policies ofSalford’s registered providers. is already impactingontheallocations impact onsocialsecurityexpenditure but Credit. Thiswillhave arelatively small costs whenmakinganew claimfor Universal will alsonolonger beentitled to housing From 2017,outofwork 18to 21year olds claimants have mental healthrelated issues. £1,500 peryear. InSalford themajorityofESA significant health problems anddisabilitiesby will reduce financialsupport for thosewith abolished for new claimantsfrom 2017.This Employment SupportAllowance (ESA)willbe The “work related activitycomponent” of work to stay withinnew lower limits. work, or increase thetake upoflow paid and maydiscourage take upoffull-time reduce thepotential to “make work pay” households onUniversal Credit will These cutsto financialsupport for working £397 permonthfor thosewithouthousingcosts. £192 permonthfor thosewithhousingcosts and disabled childless claimants,andreduced to Universal Credit) willbeabolishedfor non- disregarded whencalculating paymentsof Work allowances (theamountofearnings the lowered benefit cap from November 2016. reductions insupportfor housingcosts dueto households inSalford are expected to have costs includingthe“bedroom tax”. Over 400 exacerbated bycutsto supportfor housing arrears insocialhousingare ontheincrease, at atimewhenlivingcosts are rising. Rent Allowances have beenfrozen for four years Working agebenefitsandLocal Housing health issues andyounger people. those looking for work, thosewhohave In particular,people inlow paidwork, security ofthepoorest Salford households. to impactnegatively ontheincomes and Extensive changesto socialsecuritycontinue Ineffective socialsecurity(welfare reform) Source: Citizens Advice Salford not manageherbudget onherown. for gasandelectricity, asshe could provision ofafood parcel andagrant required assistance with the to dealwith herdaily affairs. She experience underminedJane’s ability The pressure derived from this anxiety increasing considerably. health, withherstress levels and massively adverse impactonmental receiving asanction,whichhad continually warnJanethatshefaced this led to Jane’s work coach to to successfully doso.Inevitably, without havingthenecessary skills requirements ofusingtheservice, under pressure to comply withthe Consequently, Janefound herself not personalised enough. meet Jane’s needs,asitwas was simply notgoodenoughto to useUniversal JobMatch, it to atraining course onhow difficulties and referred her recognise thatJanehadlearning Although theJobCentre did the assessment process. result ofnotfully understanding the assessment –largely asa Support Allowance buthadfailed previously inreceipt ofEmployment and mental healthcondition andwas Jane alsohadalearning difficulty receipt ofJobSeekers Allowance. daughter were unemployed andin dependent child.BothJaneandher Jane The threat ofabenefitsanction Case study issingle parent withonenon-

is thethird lowest intheNorthWest cent progression rate into HigherEducation 57 percent inEngland,whilst thecity’s 45per taking GCSE’s got5ormore compared with In 2016,just underhalfofpupils(48percent) going to beaccessible to manylocal people. skilled andpaidjobsinSalford issimply not means thatforecasted future growth inhigher over (27.3percent) still have noGCSEs.This more thanaquarter ofpeople aged16and Despite skillslevels improving inrecent years, Lack ofskillsandqualifications 10. Departmentfor Education data (October 2015)

10 . 13 NO ONE LEFT BEHIND: tackling poverty in Salford A joint strategy from the Salford City Mayor and Salford Youth Mayor 2017 1 14 13. http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/health/greater-manchester- 12. https://www.tuc.org.uk/economic-issues/labour-market/economic-analysis/ 11. https://www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/corporate/a-picture-of-over- all higherinSalford thantheUKaverage. conditions, andcardiovascular diseasesare excess weight, alcohol anddrugrelated health conditions linked to poverty including depression andanxiety. Inaddition,physical (out of200NHSareas) interms oflevels of ranked asthe12thworst inthecountry According to recent research of mental healthproblems inEngland. Salford alsohassomeofthehighest rates expectancy drops to aslow as73.8yrs. into thejourney atPatricroft, female life is ashigh84.8yrs andjust two miles Worsley Green, female life expectancy a walkdown theBridgewater Canalfrom To putthesehealthinequalitiesinperspective, less thanthose inmore affluentones. of ourpoorest areas are livingup to 14years established. InSalford, people livinginsome risk ofillness andpremature deathiswell The linkbetween poverty andahigher Poor physical andmental health support theirday-to-day livingstandards. pushing more andmore families to borrow to sharply in2016;withweak wagegrowth household debt(excluding mortgages)rose Congress (TUC) Research alsocarried outbytheTrades Union charges associated withpayingoffthosedebts. and thisoften compounded bytherecovery or more children are most likely to beaffected, young people, lone parents andthosewiththree than theNorthWest at16.9percent. Renters, of people beingover indebted -muchhigher authority area inthecountry with19.8percent Salford isranked asthe38thmost indebted local recent study bytheMoney Advice Service Household debtisontherise.According to a Household debt areas-highest-rates-12008551 fair-pay-fortnight-2015/unsecured-debt-hits-new-peak indebtedness 12

showed thatunsecured 13

, Salford is

11 ,

14. http://www.savethechildren.org.uk/resources/online-library/uk-poverty-rip- to atypical family’s annuallivingcosts. could addintheregion of£1,200to £1,400 Children finance, furniture andwhite goods.Save the Poverty Premium) includingfood, energy, essential goodsandservices (known asthe are alsoforced to payover theoddsfor these In addition,manyofthoseonlow incomes and more families are reaching crisispoint. coupled withweak wagegrowth, meansmore necessities suchasfood, clothing andutilities, problem. Therisingcost oflivingfor otherbasic The highcost ofhousingisnotonly the Grant inthewhole ofGreater Manchester. to receive thelowest Homeless Prevention (from 203to 352).Despite this,Salford continues acceptances e.g.thosewithapriorityneed cent increase inthenumberofhomeless as homeless (from 741to 1273),anda73per increase inthenumberofpeople presenting Since to 2013,Salford hasseena72percent Homelessness inSalford isalsoincreasing. directly to theclaimantandnotlandlord. monthly inarrears, andhousingbenefitsgoing seen asakey driver withpaymentsnow being with theimplementation ofUniversal Credit all housingproviders are ontheincrease, of Salford alsoshows thatrent arrears across Inclusion Practitioners Group andtheUniversity Research undertaken bySalford’s Financial each year to meetfuture housingneed. rented homesmust to bebuiltinSalford suggest thataround 750new low cost social housinginthecity. Current estimates line andincreasing demandfor low cost renters andhomeowners below thepoverty in theprivate sector are pushingmore deprivation. Risinghouseprices andrents most direct impactsonpoverty andmaterial High housingcosts constitute oneofthe High housingandlivingcosts poverty-premium-2010 14

estimate thatthePoverty Premium • • • • include: Among themanystrategies already inplace and voluntary sector are already delivering. sector partners, businesses andthecommunity framework for themanyactivitiesthatourpublic to complement andprovide theoverarching reduce poverty inSalford. Instead, itwillseek any ofthework thatisalready taking place to It isnottheintention ofthisstrategy to duplicate and improving thelives ofSalford people. will playacrucialrole inreducing inequalities and there are anumberoflocal strategies that of ahugerange oforganisations across thecity Tackling poverty hasbecome partofthework Links to otherstrategies actions, whichwillhelpalleviate poverty. of theSalford poundin‘addedvalue’ pledge Salford SocialValue Alliance’s policyand drive future economic growth. the city’s transport connectivity to help continued investment andimproving ambitious framework for delivering and Transport Strategy Salford Regeneration Prospectus good qualityandsustainable work. be vital insupporting more people into the barriers to employment, sets outSalford’s approach to addressing Salford Employment andSkillsStrategy as manyofthewiderdeterminants ofhealth. of healthconditions linked to poverty, aswell out theblueprintfor improving awiderange determinant ofhealthandwellbeing andsets Care Devolution) recognises poverty asakey (and GMStrategic Planfor HealthandSocial Salford HealthandSocialCare Locality Plan seeks to maximise investment to maximiseinvestment provides the which will which will

17. https://www.jrf.org.uk/report/we-an-solve-poverty-uk 16. https://www.jrf.org.uk/cities-towns-neighbourhoods/cities 15. https://www.oxfam.org.uk/blogs/2014/05/inequality-and-poverty-in-the-uk ‘We CanSolve Poverty InTheUK’ and theirrecently launchedstrategy - Cities, Growth andPoverty programme including theJosephRowntree Foundation’s range oflearning andevidence developed in UK,andthisstrategy draws from awide the causes andconsequences ofpoverty There hasbeenmuchnationalresearch into anticipated loss of25,000jobsintheNorthWest. a result ofthepost 2015welfare reforms with of £410perworking ageadultperannumas University estimates thatthere willbealoss Recent research from SheffieldHallam to manySalford residents onalow income. have resulted inareduction infinancialsupport be taken outby2020.Theimpacts inSalford budget withanother£12billionscheduled to billion hasbeencutfrom thesocialsecurity to bekey drivers for this. Since 2010,£22 Welfare reform andlow wagegrowth continues cent ofthepopulationsince themid1990s. faster thantheincomes ofthebottom 90per of thetop 0.1 percent hasgrown four times families disproportionately, whilst theincomes cuts to public services continue to hitpoorer Salford. IntheUK,austerity measures and Poverty andinequalityisn’tjust anissue for Wider Context Safeguarding Children andAdultsStrategies. Strategy, CommunitySafety Strategy and Affordable Warmth Strategy, Homelessness Housing Strategy, Early HelpStrategy, include the;EqualityStrategy, Affordable role delivering poverty reduction inSalford Other local strategies thatwillplayaimportant 17

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15 NO ONE LEFT BEHIND: tackling poverty in Salford A joint strategy from the Salford City Mayor and Salford Youth Mayor 2017 16 obtain thegreatest benefit for local people. VCSE organisations inGreater Manchester to power ofthepublicsector, businesses and procurement; to usethehugepurchasing in service delivery, commissioning and everything thatwe do,inourbusiness, environmental andeconomic value from We willseekto maximisethesocial, make towards improving local people’s lives. community andsocialenterprise sector can contribution thatthebusiness andthevoluntary, pound spentinSalford andmaximisethe It isvital that we getthemost value from every lasting impactinreducing poverty inSalford. on thoseactivitiesthatare likely to have themost substantial andlong To achieve ourvisionwe must focus ourcollective efforts andresources What arewegoing a better dealfor Salford people. other nationalorganisations to get Influencing three. into poverty inthefirst place. Preventing two. struggling inpoverty now. Supporting ONE. across thefollowing three themes: in theUKbyfocusing collective action at theforefront ofanti-poverty work out theactionswe willtake to putSalford Using thisapproach, thisstrategy sets to doaboutit?

people from falling people whoare the Government and the Government and

17 NO ONE LEFT BEHIND: tackling poverty in Salford A joint strategy from the Salford City Mayor and Salford Youth Mayor 2017 18 by: who are struggling inpoverty now We willimprove supportfor people make endsmeet. people struggling everyday to to provide better supportfor those and individualsto come together enterprise sector, communities voluntary, community andsocial public agencies,businesses, the years. Itisincumbentonus all - progress madeover thelast few unacceptably high,despite the of poverty inthecityremain As clearly demonstrated, levels one. struggling inpoverty now Supporting

people whoare • • Increasing access to affordable credit • • rights anddebtadvice Improving access to free welfare that manyotherpeople take for granted. and aconvenient wayofsavingregularly people can benefitfrom cheaper lending mainstream banking;ensuring more savings optionsto thoseexcluded from to expand access to affordable credit and Salford Credit Union,we willbeworking Through investing financially inthe lead to debtsspiralling outofcontrol. payday lenders, whichcan very quickly alternative highcost lenders suchas This can meanthey become reliant on to borrow from mainstream lenders. but often find itmuchmore difficult others, needaccess to affordable credit Low income households,like many targeted towards thoseingreatest need. easy access to more intensive support broader range ofservices from simple they needit.Thisincludesoffering amuch and independentadvice they need,when more people are able to access thefree the waytheseare delivered to ensure rights anddebtadvice, we have reviewed Working together withproviders ofwelfare their rightsandlegal entitlements. incomes andensure everyone understands vital supportto helpmaximise people’s These services are atthefront line,providing important role inthefightagainst poverty. and CitizensAdvice Salford, playahugely Welfare RightsandDebtAdvice Service as thoseprovided bytheCityCouncil’s Free andindependentadvice services such

18. https://doteveryone.org.uk/heatmap/about-heatmap/ The cost ofaccessing theinternet by: The cost ofhouseholditems by: The cost ofenergy by: • • • Reducing thecost ofessential living some ofourpoorest householdsincluding: to reduce thecost ofessential livingfor we are exploring new andinnovative ways organisations, andthebusiness community Working withvoluntary andcommunity per cent ofadultshave never beenonline without access to theInternet. InSalford, 12.8 often notavailable to people onlow incomes buy providers, andcheaper onlinedealsare white goodscost more whenusingrent-to than payingbyDirect Debit.Furniture and energy thatcosts significantly more per year have to useprepayment meters to payfor For example, low income householdsoften furniture, thanthosethatare better off. such asgas,electricity andeven household premium) for essential goodsandservices much higherprices (known asthepoverty Many low income families often have to pay • • • • • network ofDigital Champions; their digital skillsthrough thecity’s Supporting more people to improve of free Wi-Fihubs; Expanding thecity’s network such asfurniture andwhite goods. providers for everyday householditems alternatives to highstreet rent-to-buy Exploring new waysofproviding cheaper deal byswitching providers households to findabetter energy Salford’ campaign to supportmore Launching anew ‘Fair Energy for available to helpreduce energy bills; national, regional andlocal schemes campaign to raise awareness of Promotion oftheWarm Salford .

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The cost offunerals by: The cost oftransport by: The cost offood by: • • • • • • to findafuneral they can afford. support low income bereaved families national fair funerals’ pledge and local funeral directors to adoptthe campaign for Salford Supporting andendorsing aFair Funerals will beanalready difficulttime. burden on bereaved families inwhat cemeteries, to helpeasethe financial fees for children under16inSalford’s Removal ofburialandcremation communities andyoung people. for someofourmost hard pressed steps to cutthecost ofessential travel decision making,andseeksto take affordability andvalue attheheartof new powers over local transport puts partners to ensure thattheregions Working withourGreater Manchester a fraction oftheusualretail price. healthy, fresh andpackagedfood for provide communities withaccess to modest weekly membership fee, can Clubs’ across Salford; thatfor a Tree to establish anetwork of‘Food organisations, suchasMustard Supporting thework oflocal community crisis services across thecity. ordinate, andstrengthen food Food Share Network to better co- Supporting thework ofSalford our poorest communities. low cost broadband to someof providers to explore waysofbringing Working withlocal broadband to encourage 19 NO ONE LEFT BEHIND: tackling poverty in Salford A joint strategy from the Salford City Mayor and Salford Youth Mayor 2017 Strengthening support for Protecting the safety net Poverty proofing our work • Individuals and groups are vulnerable groups not stigmatised, in any way, • Although eliminating poverty entirely • Salford is a place where tackling poverty because of low income. • As identified at the beginning of this strategy, will always be the ultimate aim, we is everybody’s responsibility. This strategy • The social impact of our activity there are a number of different groups of must recognise the fact that there will places a new emphasis on all public is clearly measured and reported people that are at a significantly higher be times when some people will find agencies in Salford to consider the against on an annual basis. risk of experiencing poverty and social themselves in crisis situations following impact of policies on poverty and ensure exclusion - particularly those affected by an emergency or unexpected event that actions to mitigate its effects are • We learn from and act upon the the benefit cap and other welfare changes. and have no other source of help. given priority when making decisions. recommendations of the Salford Poverty Truth Commission and the Integrated • Although this strategy is designed to help • It is critical; therefore, that services are • This process of ‘poverty proofing’ will adequately resourced to meet the needs specifically include a commitment by all Place early adopter work in bring about change and improve the lives which has been reviewing system of all people on low incomes, regardless of of Salford people who find themselves public sector partners in Salford to ensure: at the point of crisis. This is why we will issues related to debt and crime, and personal circumstances, we also recognise • The services we deliver are subject testing improved ways of working. that these particular ‘at risk’ groups may undertake an extensive review of the to a rigorous test of affordability need additional, more specialised support city’s local welfare assistance scheme and accessibility and do not from time to time - particularly when there - the Salford Discretionary Support discriminate (in any negative way) are safeguarding concerns for some of Scheme (which includes Council Tax against low income households. our most vulnerable children and adults. Support) to ensure continued sufficiency of funding and that it remains fit for • Our collective debt collection practices We will know if we are • This is why we will undertaking extensive purpose for those who need it most. (including the use of external work with partners and communities across enforcement agencies) are robustly making a difference if we see: the city to develop a better understanding • However, to really make a difference we also reviewed, so that they are undertaken of the characteristics and experiences need effective support services that reach in as sensitive a manner as possible, of these risk groups; the different types beyond the public sector. There are many and in a way that does not create • Fewer households (and children) living of poverty that most affects them; and voluntary, community and social enterprise further hardship, distress or financial in poverty. how we can work together to provide organisations working on the front line difficulties for vulnerable people. • A measurable increase in average more tailored support when needed. across Salford, providing critical support for those in severe hardship. However, • Resources are effectively targeted household incomes. and focused towards improving these organisations are also faced with • An increase in the membership of the the lives of those people blighted their own challenges of rising demand and Salford Credit Union and number of by poverty and disadvantage. reducing resources. More than ever we need successful applications for affordable to harness and value the contributions of • Key front line and customer service staff loans. Salford’s many thousands of volunteers. are appropriately trained to recognise • A reduction in the number of indebted the early warning signs that people • So it is imperative that partners work households in the city. may be struggling (such as missing together to harness this inspirational a payment) and are aware of what • Fewer households living in fuel poverty. local leadership and ensure this vital they can do if they are concerned. support, that provides a lifeline to so • More Salford people seeking early advice many, is not lost in the future. on issues such debt, home repo.

20 21 22 two. into poverty inthefirst place by: We willprevent people from falling poverty reduction. achieving long term sustainable if we are to besuccessful in family breakdown, willbecrucial low educational attainment or it unemployment, low pay,illness, underlying causes ofpoverty, be Addressing manyofthe chance ofapoverty free future. give Salford people thevery best in themediumto long term -to some oftheroot causes ofpoverty must alsoactstrongly to tackle of poverty intheshortterm, we to alleviate someofthesymptoms its source. Aswell astaking action commitment to tackle poverty at This strategy restates Salford’s into poverty inthefirst place Preventing

people from falling • • • • • Creating decent jobswithdecent pay positive impactongrowth inthecity. with thosesectors thatcan have themost Salford, to forge new strategic partnerships developing anew Industrial Strategy for continued economic success, including low income can benefitfrom the regions ways ofensuringmore ofourresidents on Growth Analysis Unit,we willalsoexplore Working withGreater Manchester’s Inclusive to become atruly ‘LivingWage City’. of age),withaclear ambitionfor Salford Wage of£8.45asaminimum(regardless based inSalford to paythereal UKLiving to encourage businesses andorganisations Charter, we are committed to doallwe can Through ourEmployment Standards for thebenefitofSalford residents. we get the most ‘bangfor ourbuck’ Value Charter andPledge -makingsure growth agendaislaidoutinourSocial people. Ourcommitment to thisinclusive develop theskillsandtalents ofSalford career progression, andopportunitiesto We wantproductive local jobswithreal after theiremployees andpaythem well. in return -thosewhooffer local jobs, look are committed to givingsomethingback use ourinfluence to target employers who generated through economic growth and income neighbourhoodsto theopportunities is vital thatwe connect residents inlow But growth onitsown isn’tenough.It opportunities over thenext few years. investment anddelivering new jobsand set outclear frameworks for attracting Prospectus (Salford 2025)andLocal Plan potential andSalford’s Regeneration Salford continues to have fantastic growth

• • • Supporting more people into work themselves outofpoverty ontheirown. people withthetools they needto get of residents, whichwillbevital insupporting to address theskillsandemployment needs strategy provides theambitiousframework and Salford’s right skillsneededto effectively compete, It isvital we ensure compared to otherparts ofthecountry. our residents are underskilled when market, andasignificant numberof from entering orreturning to thelabour barriers preventing unemployed people acknowledged asoneofthemain Having noorlow skillsiswidely support over thenext few years. can benefitfrom intensive andpersonalised will beexpanded to ensure more people complex needsfindsuitable employment, long term unemployed andthose with Working Well programmes, thathelpthe into work. to doallwe can to supportpeople back of poverty for manypeople, andwe need Work isstill oneofthemainroutes out Salford’s HelpingFamilies and Employment andSkills local people have the • • • • • children thebest start inlife Supporting families to give savings account withthe local credit union. encourage more young people to opena launch ofanew JuniorSavers Schemeto for adultsand schoolchildren, andthe improving financialeducation support live independentlives. Thiswillinclude financial planningskillsthey need to responsibilities andequipthemwiththe them better understand theirfinancial towards families andyoung people, to help financial education programmes targeted We willalsobedeveloping arange ofnew and couples needisgiven extra priority. relationship supportthatsomefamilies services to ensure theparenting and look to strengthen ourfamily support working irregular hours), andwe will meets demand(especially for parents provision oflocal childcare to ensure it We willcontinue to review thequalityand used inthemost effective waypossible. Pupil Premium fundingistargeted and closely withourlocal schoolsto ensure and theirpeers. Thisincludesworking those from disadvantaged backgrounds educational attainment gapbetween improve schoolreadiness andclose the of providing early helpto families to We are piloting new andcreative ways for asmanychildren aspossible. better ways ofimproving outcomes the Devolution Agreement, to look at for children andfamilies, aspartof inreviewing services We are already leading the wayin start attheearliest stage ofachild’s life. and staying inpoverty asadults,we must cycle ofchildren growing upinpoverty poverty intheadulthood.To break the increase achild’s riskofexperiencing Trauma, abuseandpoorparenting can Family stability isvital for children. 23 NO ONE LEFT BEHIND: tackling poverty in Salford A joint strategy from the Salford City Mayor and Salford Youth Mayor 2017 24 19. http://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health- • • • • and wellbeing Improving mental health mental-health-problems/ problems/statistics-and-facts-about-mental-health/how-common-are- adults andchildren across thelife course. wellbeing ofsomeourmost vulnerable better supportthemental healthand mental healthandhow, asacity,we can the relationship between poverty and exploring wayswe can better understand along withourhealthpartners, we willbe with lived experiences oftheseissues, Working withthoseindividualsandfamilies compared to men(23per cent). at aslightly higherrisk(26percent) some degree eachyear, experience mental healthproblems to one infour adultsandoneinten children According to thenationalcharityMind make itmuchharder for people to cope. about money, debt,jobsandbenefits can as depression andanxietyasworries developing mental healthproblems such can significantly increase theriskofpeople as aparticulararea ofconcern. Poverty Commission hasidentifiedmental illhealth However, the Salford Poverty Truth of poverty outlinedinthis strategy. many oftheotherwiderdeterminants and drugrelated conditions, aswell as weight, cardiovascular diseases,alcohol conditions linked to poverty suchasexcess and actionsfor improving arange of acknowledges thislinkandsetstargets delivering healthandsocialcare services) Salford’s Locality Plan(theblueprintfor and poverty iswell established and The relationship between poorhealth

with women with women 19 , • • • stay intheirhomes Supporting people to help asmanypeople aspossible. the limited resources we dohave, to making sure we make thebest useof can influence Government policy,whilst national agenciesto examine wayswe bring together key local, regional and homelessness summitin2017,to We willalsobelaunchinganew this situationneedsto change. Grant intheGreater Manchester and receives thelowest Homeless Prevention a biggerdifference, asS the powers andfundingneededto make that better equips local authoritieswith a new UKwideHomelessness Strategy the Local Government Association for problem alone. We endorse theviews of However, accommodation oronthestreets. and face theprospect oflivingintemporary people to make ahomeless application wherever possible, to avoid theneedfor providing alternative housingoptions, preventing homelessness inSalford and We have anabsolute commitment to the city cannot tackle thisgrowing alford already • • • a price people can afford decent homesare provided at Ensure enoughgoodquality that keep buildingcosts to aminimum. owned land to buildsocialrented homes ways we can make better useofcouncil with oursocialhousingpartners to explore operatives. We will alsobeworking closely standards; andtheuseofhousingco- with private landlords to improve housing empty properties backinto use;working the cityincluding;bringingmore long term of furtheroptionsfor affordable housingin We are alsocommitted to thedevelopment the dysfunctionalhousingmarket. current market failure andrebalance this isaseriouscommitment to address and thepromise ofmuchmore to come, half ofmillionpoundsalready setaside, houses inSalford for nearly 30years. With social housingfundto buildthefirst council This iswhywe have setupanew dedicated per year to meetfuture housingneed. to buildaround 750low-cost rented homes Current estimates suggest thecityneeds city’s existing andgrowing population. social housinginSalford to supportthe It isclear we needlower cost rented and • • • Enhancing green infrastructure by working to promote climate justice. vulnerability ofindividualcommunities of anew strategy; andreduce theperceived of climate change through thedevelopment to expand ourefforts to mitigate theimpact deprived communities. We willalsocontinue infrastructure provision insomeofourmost improve thequalityandquantityofgreen Salford must continue to do allwe can to island effect andtheriskofurbanflooding. such aslitter andfly-tipping,theurbanheat more vulnerable to environmental challenges be more densely populated, makingthem them harder to look after. They alsotend to areas andundefended openspace, thatmake physical features suchashard standing Many deprived neighbourhoodsoften have other forms ofgreen infrastructure provision. there isaclear negative correlation, aswith deprivation against tree cover inSalford and Manchester CityofTrees hasmapped of deprivation inanarea. For example, outdoor physical environment andlevels There isastrong relationship between the 25 NO ONE LEFT BEHIND: tackling poverty in Salford A joint strategy from the Salford City Mayor and Salford Youth Mayor 2017 26 • • • of local communities Harnessing thestrengths community led actionto tackling poverty. between ourcommunities to supportmore how we can foster positive connections people andcommunities already have and better understanding oftheassets that communities andpartners to seeka We willcontinue to work closely with genuine co-production ofservices. greater shared decisionmakingand communities andbusinesses thatenables between publicservices andcitizens, we will seek to develop anew relationship of individuals,families andcommunities recognises andbuildsonthestrengths Using anasset basedapproach that our proud anddiverse local areas. resources that already exists within make fulluseoftheassets, skillsand we needto ensure we continue to spirit andresilience and,asacity, Salford isrenowned for hiscommunity making adifferenceifwesee: We willknow ifweare • • • • • • • • • • of-work benefits. Fewer people whoare inreceipt ofout- skills training. Fewer people withnoqualifications or residents accessing theselocal jobs An increase inthenumberofSalford jobs created inthecity. An increase inthenumberofbetter paid meet demand. homes thatneedto bebuilteachyear to A reduction intheamountofaffordable wellbeing ofSalford’s population. An improvement inthehealth and A reduction inhomelessness. Index ofMultiple Deprivation). deprivation score (asmeasured bythe A positive changeinthecityoverall deemed schoolready. An increase inthenumberofchildren (NEET). not ineducation, employment ortraining Fewer young people aged16-18whoare We will dothisby: Salford people. and campaign for abetter dealfor other stakeholders to account government, businesses and Association, we must holdthe Cities andtheLocal Government in nationalnetworks suchasKey Authority andgrowing influence the Greater Manchester Combined Through our strong leadership at Manchester Devolution. becomes akey pillarofGreater ensure the fightagainst poverty regional andnationallevel, and shape thepoverty debate ata that we are able to influence and own. Thisiswhyitimperative what we can achieve locally onour and recognise ourlimitations on However, we must alsoberealistic of Salford people. make areal difference to thelives this strategy to reduce poverty will Many ofthemeasures outlinedin three. to getabetter dealfor Salford and othernationalorganisations Influencing 20. http://www.partnersinsalford.org/documents/DWP_Benefit_Conditionality_ • • • and fundingcuts of unfair welfare changes Campaigning for thereversal

and_Sanctions_in_Salford_-_One_Year_On..pdf the Government the Government get afairer dealfor Salford people. vulnerable communities, and fight to effect thisishavingonsomeofourmost we willcontinue to highlightthedamaging with more to come. Thisisnotrightand the money we receive from government, began. Thisrepresents over 42percent of million ofbudgetsavingssince austerity Council willhave madeinexcess of£171 funding. BytheendofMarch 2017theCity the unprecedented government cutsto We willalsocontinue to campaign against Sanctions inSalford –OneYear On’. taskforce’s report ‘DWP Conditionalityand regime –akey recommendation from the the benefit conditionality andsanctions level to call for anindependentenquiryinto political influence ata regional andnational continue ourfight for change,usingour of welfare reform onlocal people andwill Task Force highlighting thetrueimpact the Salford ConditionalityandSanctions national coverage for thefantastic work of We have already received widespread of work andinlow paidjobsinSalford. a very real negative impactonthoseout of conditionality andsanctionsishaving over thelast few years includingtheuse changes to thesocialsecuritysystem As describedpreviously, thesignificant

20 27 NO ONE LEFT BEHIND: tackling poverty in Salford A joint strategy from the Salford City Mayor and Salford Youth Mayor 2017 28 • • of current planningrules Highlighting theunfairness something we aimto change,andquickly. our low income residents needandthisis build thedecent, affordable homesthat ours, are hamstrung inourefforts to as itisunacceptable thatcitiessuchas what we needto doto changethesituation, Salford Fair RentsCommission to scrutinise This iswhywe willbelaunchinganew changing thesituationandthisisn’tright. need. Thecityhashadfew optionsin housing orconsidering whatlocal people the citywithoutproviding enoughaffordable developers are able to buildnew homesin homes we urgently need.Itisafact that hamper thedevelopment oftheaffordable to fundnew social housing, continue to along withthegovernment’s reluctance in Salford isgrowing, nationalpolicyrules, Although thenumberofhomesbeingbuilt • • and illegal money lending Tackling thescourge ofhighcost taking place onalocal andnationallevel. lending; buildingonthegoodwork already cost credit andpromote more responsible hidden dangers oftaking outshortterm, high profile citywide campaign to highlightthe This iswhywe willbedeveloping anew high malpractice andexcessive charges. vulnerable communities from financial action isneededto protect ourmost is ontheriseandwe believe concerted (commonly referred to asloan sharks), loans, doorstop andillegal money lenders High cost money lending such aspayday • Manchester Devolution is akey pillarofGreater Ensuring poverty reduction the very heartofdecisionmaking. to reduce poverty andinequalitysitsat Combined Authorityto ensure action the work oftheGreater Manchester in Greater Manchester; influencing shape andinfluence thedevolution agenda central government andwe willcontinue of new powers andresponsibilities from role inhelpingto secure thedevolution Salford hasalready played asignificant • • • • Creating theevidence basefor action reform; andtheriseofin-work poverty. sector; thecontinued impactofwelfare social exclusion intheprivate rented by theTaskforce include;understanding Some ofthekey areas ofwork to beexplored and influence central government policy. the evidence baseneededto challenge exploring thelived experience, to helpbuild research projects, particularly around a variety ofqualitative andquantitative exchange partnership willundertake This exciting research andknowledge support of thecity’s anti-poverty agenda. high qualityresearch andanalysis in the University ofSalford to help provide Anti-Poverty Taskforce inpartnership with This iswhywe are launchinganew Salford city, we are keen to better understand. are still gapsinourknowledge that,asa development ofthisstrategy, butthere that hasbeenusedto inform the intelligence onpoverty anddeprivation Salford hasawealth oflocal data and 29 NO ONE LEFT BEHIND: tackling poverty in Salford A joint strategy from the Salford City Mayor and Salford Youth Mayor 2017 30 From theSalford Poverty Truth Commission is for us’ us, without us, ‘nothing about accountability for individualactions. efforts andprovide clear ownership and to helpeffectively coordinate thecity’s accompanying partnership actionplan The strategy willbedelivered through an is delivered intruepartnership. essential to make sure thatthestrategy sector, communities themselves. This is voluntary, community andsocialenterprise This meansbusinesses, publicagencies, Salford. stakeholders whohave anessential role to playintackling poverty in This strategy isnotowned byanyoneorganisation, butbyall the strategy Delivering

Commission itselfstates: As theSalford Poverty Truth the city’s policies anddrivingfuture action. local people have agreater role inshaping and voluntary sector to explore waysofensuring Poverty Truth Commission andourcommunity This iswhywe willbeworking closely withthe living inpoverty are central to theprocess. those people withfirst hand experiences of drive forward delivery itisimperative that However, to monitor progress andreally

31 NO ONE LEFT BEHIND: tackling poverty in Salford A joint strategy from the Salford City Mayor and Salford Youth Mayor 2017 Acknowledgements

In developing this strategy we have engaged widely with a range of key stakeholders, including the public, partners, business community, voluntary and community sector and most importantly, people with real experience of living in poverty themselves. This has provided a rich source of information that has been used to develop the approach detailed in this strategy, and we would like to thank everyone who has taken the time to contribute their views and ideas. Special thanks also go to the following organisations for their contributions towards developing the final document: | Salford Credit Union | Citizens Advice Salford | Salford CVS | Salford Clinical Commissioning Group | Salford Strategic Housing Partnership

Some of the photograph’s supplied by St Philip’s Camera Club and the All Write on th’Height writing group as part of an exhibition reflecting on community life called ‘Salford: The Full Picture’