Hidden Hardship: Why the Government’s New Funding For Deprivation Threatens East Riding

​When people think of places like Beverley, they often imagine beautiful old churches, busy markets, and expensive houses. It looks like a wealthy area, but this "picture-postcard" view hides a serious problem.

​Many people living in the East Riding are struggling, and new government rules might make it even harder for them to get help.

​Recent reactions to local television coverage have sparked a wave of online criticism directed at those highlighting poverty in our region. As Liberal Democrats, we believe it is time to have an honest conversation about the "pockets of poverty" that exist within the East Riding of Yorkshire (ERYC) and the dangerous shift in government policy that threatens to make these residents invisible

​The Myth of Universal Affluence

The East Riding is often seen as a "wealthy bubble." However, the facts show a different story. While some parts of the county are doing well, other areas face a lot of hardship.

​Swinemoor Estate: Even in a famous town like Beverley, parts of the Swinemoor estate are among the poorest in the country (bottom 20-30% nationally for income and education deprivation). 

​Hidden Poverty: Over 10,000 children in the East Riding live in poverty after their families pay for housing.

​Overt Deprivation: While some poverty is hidden, other areas face very obvious struggles. Towns like Withernsea and the southern parts of Bridlington have high levels of unemployment and need extra support.

 

​A Flawed New Metric: The "House Value" Trap

​The government wants to change how they decide which areas need money. They want to look at how much houses are worth. For the East Riding, this is bad news.

​House prices here are quite high. But owning a house doesn't mean you have cash in your pocket. Many families are "asset-rich but cash-poor." This means they live in a house that might be worth a lot, but they are drowning in bills, high mortgage costs, or can't afford the to turn on the heating.

​If the government only looks at house prices, they might take away £33 million in funding from our region. They might think we don't need help just because the houses look expensive.

​The Frontline: Cherry Tree Youth Hub

The Cherry Tree Centre in Beverley is on the front line of this fight. Their new Youth Hub helps hundreds of kids every week.

​However, if the government reclassifies the East Riding as "not deprived" based on house prices, charities like Cherry Tree will find it nearly impossible to access the grants and funding they need to survive.

​Tony Henderson, Liberal Democrat Ward Councillor and Trustee/Treasurer of the Cherry Tree Centre, expressed his frustration with the recent backlash and the proposed policy shifts:

​"We’ve come under a lot of flack and abuse on social media recently around the subject of poverty here. The Cherry Tree Centre supports children from the Swinemoor estate is an area of immediate need. The government’s plan to measure deprivation by house values will result in a skewed view. It will put our charity under huge financial pressure just as we are seeing the positive impact of our Youth Hub."

“The fact that there are over 10,000 children living in poverty in the East Riding should make us all sit up and take action. Cherry Tree is an example of something positive happening to help break the cycle of poverty; youth clubs enable our young people to experience some kind of normality, get crucial support and opportunities they won’t get elsewhere so they can reach their true potential.” Cllr Linda Johnson. St Mary's Ward.

​The Liberal Democrat Alternative: Real Support for Real People

The Liberal Democrats believe that poverty is about people, not property. They are fighting for:

​Fair Funding: Money should go where people are struggling, regardless of the house prices next door.

​Lower Costs: Focus on lowering energy bills and childcare costs.

​Support for the "Working Poor": Helping families who have jobs but still can't make ends meet.

​Daisy Cooper MP, Deputy Leader of the Liberal Democrats, has highlighted the need for localized support:

​"The government must recognize that poverty exists in every corner of the UK, including in areas that appear wealthy on the surface.” 

​Furthermore, Steve Darling MP, the Lib Dem spokesperson for Work and Pensions, has called for a re-evaluation of how we support the 'working poor' those who don't fit the government's narrow definitions of deprivation but are struggling to make ends meet.

​Conclusion

​We cannot let the people of the East Riding be ignored just because they live in a "nice" area. Poverty is real in places like Swinemoor, South Bridlington, and Withernsea. It is time the government looked at the people, not just the price of their bricks and mortar. The Liberal Democrats will continue to fight for the funding our region deserves and support the vital work of hubs like the Cherry Tree.

To find out more about the Cherry Tree youth hub, visit: https://ctca.org.uk