THERE are nearly 3,500 children in Ceredigion living in poverty – with the county seeing the second highest increase nationally since 2014/15 – an assessment of well-being has found.

Child poverty in Ceredigion is higher than average the draft assessment of local well-being, adding that it is a “key regional issue” affecting neighbouring counties also.

The assessment, reported as part of the Public Services Board regional meeting, adds that there is evidence “in-work poverty” is increasing and is a challenge for many households, particularly in Aberystwyth north and south constituencies as well as in Cardigan and Aberporth.

At a recent meeting of the overview and scrutiny coordinating committee Cllr Mark Strong said there was a misconception that areas like Aberystwyth were well-off but that was not always the case while Cllr Lyndon Lloyd highlighted the risks to older people of falling into poverty as prices increased but their incomes remained fixed.

“Poverty remains one of the biggest challenges for the county.

"Low earnings and incomes, affordable childcare, Universal Credit reduction and high housing costs/ housing affordability are the drivers of poverty in Ceredigion,” the assessment states.

The substantial piece of work examines all life stages from ‘new beginnings’ through to older people, highlighting main themes along with negative and positive aspects to living, working and the economy in Ceredigion, which feeds into regional work in west and mid Wales.

Public Services Boards across Wales are required to prepare and publish an assessment of the economic, social, environmental and cultural well-being of its area under the Well-being of Future Generations Act, before it publishes a five year local well-being plan for 2023-28.