Calderdale Council is stepping up its work to tackle child and family poverty.

Next week, the authority’s Cabinet will be asked to approve recommendations aimed at helping to cut the number of children growing up in poverty.

The moves include boosting primary school breakfast clubs, collecting data and co-ordinating expertise.

Council leader, Councillor Tim Swift, said: “About 9,000 children are living in poverty in Calderdale – over a fifth of our youngsters. Poverty can have lifelong consequences, such as lower achievement at school, health problems and a higher chance of unemployment.”

Research has shown that breakfast clubs can improve health and attainment for children from disadvantaged families. Primary schools in Calderdale are being asked what works well with breakfast clubs and what could be improved.

The authority has also been working to understand the nature and scale of child poverty in the area.