Poverty’s chilling reality

MORE than 12,000 children across Oldham could be living in poverty, even missing help to keep them warm at home, says the Children’s Society.

The report, “Behind Cold Doors” found some parts of Oldham have more children in poverty than almost anywhere else in Greater Manchester.

In Oldham West and Royton, 6,971 children live in cold homes; 5,178 more suffer in Oldham East and Saddleworth.

Across the North-West, 280,000 children are estimated to be missing out on the Warm Home discount - which offers some families a £135 annual rebate on fuel bills.

The Children’s Society is urging the Government to make the discount automatically available to all families living in poverty.

For more information about Warm Homes Oldham call 0800 019 1084 or visit www.warmhomesoldham.org