Anti-Poverty Strategy 2024 to 2027

This is our first Anti-Poverty Strategy and reflects our commitment that every resident in our Borough should have the right to live a fulfilling life, one which is fair and equal. Our ambition is for all our residents to live fulfilling lives, free from the effects of poverty. 

Living in poverty can prevent our residents reaching their potential and can impact on people's health, educational attainment, employment, civic engagement and their health and wellbeing. Through this strategy, we aim to support those directly affected by poverty by offering opportunities, support, advice, and information. We recognise that achieving our goal will not be quick or easy, nor is it something we can do alone. Our shared ambition is one which places both our communities and partners at the core of our delivery plan. 

The development of our strategy has involved our residents and a wide range of local partner organisations, facilitated by the Anti-Poverty Project Group. I wish to thank all who have been involved and particularly those members of the Positive Living Group who have given up their time and worked directly with us. The voice of those with lived experience of poverty has been essential in developing both the strategy and supporting action plan. 

In many ways, this is just the start of a new approach directly with our residents to tackling poverty within the Borough. It is hoped that the recommendations from this strategy will inspire and inform further work with partners to pursue a Fairer Stockton-on-Tees.

Councillor Bob Cook, Leader of the Council 

If you would like a PDF copy of the Anti-Poverty Strategy, or a copy of our Anti-Poverty Action Plan which details how we will put the Strategy into practice, please email fsot@stockton.gov.uk.