27/06/2011 Spotlight

One in five children in poverty - a study reveals how some families in

the region are struggling to make ends meet.

Good evening. There are renewed calls tonight for more to be done

to tackle child poverty. Also on the programme, criticism of

teachers - parents of children with autism say many schools are letting

down youngsters with the condition. I thought it would be a good idea

to take him out of school and a teacher might home.

And spending millions less - a warning that holidaymakers will be

Official figures have revealed that one in five children in Cornwall is

living in poverty. The figures have been compiled from national

statistics by a group of Cornwall councillors who found that almost

17,000 children under 16 in the county live on or below the poverty

line. They are calling for a so- called Poverty Tsar to help tackle

the wide variation in deprivation which ranges from 2% in more

affluent areas to almost 60% in places like Pengegon.

This is the Pengegon estate. Just a few years ago it was known as a

problem area, there were burglaries, anti-social behaviour, drunkeness

and drug abuse. But, in the last four years, residents, in

partnership with the authorities, have turned the estate around.

People here now say it is a good place to live. But the government

figures show 58% of children here lived in poverty.

I know our family whose kids were sleeping on the floor under courts

-- I know of our family, because they did not have bedding or

anything. There are kids that do not have shoes, and I think there

is a big knock-on effect for teenage families, as well. There is

a lot of under-age pregnancy and staff and kids are not found

missing school. That mediate it becoming an a continuing trend,

kids wearing kid. The -- kids raising kids. It is difficult,

because child poverty Jimmy his children in Third World countries,

people starving. -- child poverty to me. Here it may

be children not having proper food, that old cliche of having a packet

of crisps for breakfast. The figures vary enormously across

Cornwall, but the average is 19%, giving a total of more than 16,000

children who live in poverty. Councillors were so concerned they

formed a special single issue panel. And you cannot look at it, it is

often hidden. We looked at issues affecting poverty and children

growing up in that. We look at health and housing issues, finance

and debt issues, as part of the package. It is those issues, where

there is a lot of good work going on by voluntary organisations. But

it needs to be co-ordinated to have more impact.

Councillors are calling for the appointment of a sort of poverty

tsar, who would lead what they call suitably resource organisations to

come up with an action plan to address these issues.

There's no doubting the enormity of deprivation and child poverty in

Cornwall, as highlighted in today's report. But further figures

supplied by the charity End Child Poverty shows there is poverty

The highest levels of child poverty are seen in Torbay, where around a

quarter of children are living in proper -- poverty. In Plymouth it

is 22%. West Somerset, 20%. And in Weymouth and Portland it is 19% -

the same as in Cornwall. These compare to a national average of 22

per cent, with a peak at almost 60% in inner city London. These figures

are based on measures of Relative Poverty - those people whose income

lies at 60% or below a typical lies at 60% or below a typical

household income. On this basis, child poverty is at its lowest

level in 25 years. But there are concerns that with rising inflation

and stagnant incomes the measure of material deprivation - what

families can or can't afford to Unfortunately this is going to see

more families with parents skipping meals saw their kids don't go

without. Children squeezing into she's too tight for them and that

kind of problem. -- squeezing into shoes.

The charity says the three main causes of poverty are low pay,

unemployment and low benefits. But the consequences are numerous -

poor health, poor education, and a cycle of deprivation.

The coalition has said it is committed to ending child poverty

by 2020, but the last government hoped to do that by 2010. Earlier,

I spoke to George Eustice, who is the MP for Redruth and Hayle, and I

started by asking him what the Government's plans are to tackle

poverty in Cornwall. DUP -- it is not enough to just

throw money at it. The last Government spent a lot of money

trying to get people up above the poverty line, but those deepest in

the poverty line are not helped. We need to break the culture of

benefits, help get people off benefits and encourage them into

work. Finally, we need to get new Industry into this part of Cornwall,

so we have better, well-paid jobs with higher incomes.

It some of the people who fall into the definition of poverty are

working, their families have jobs, but they are not very well paid.

With the policies of your Government go through, pay freezes,

job losses, but will not help, will By one of the biggest causes of

poverty we have is that people are trapped on benefits. In some areas,

there are generations who have never worked. You have got to stop

that culture. People have to get used to doing some work, even if it

is a part-time job, even a job that is not a very good job, it is

important that they get used to working, getting out of bed and

being used -- being part of are relied on team.

Briefly, there is talk of having a poverty tsar appointed, is there a

special case for Cornwall, and how effective would that be in

eradicating child poverty? I am not a fan of tsars. We need

the right policy solutions at Government level and council level.

I do not think a tsar would change Many parents of autistic children

say they are being let down by schools in the South West. A new

report says less than half of parents feel their children are

making good progress at school, and nearly three quarters say teachers

don't know enough about autism. Jamie Porthouse is a bright and

capable six-year-old, but he's autistic so changes in routine

upset him. He's distressed by crowds and loud noises and can

become obsessive about things. His mum, Gail, says staff in his

Plymouth nursery and reception classes were understanding and

supportive, but more recently he has not had the help he needs and

now she is teaching him at home. Le Tell Things can mean a huge deal

to an autistic child, and it is that understanding, and I think if

teachers listened to parents of the autistic children, it would make

their lives easier, the children's lives easier, and the rest of the

class. Plymouth City Council said it

provides a range of support for children and young people with

autism and training programmes for teachers and other school staff.

But a National Autistic Society survey found fewer than half of

parents felt their autistic chlidren were doing well at school,

and 43% said teachgers needed more training.

-- and 43 % said teachers needed more training. The Department for

Education told us they welcomed the Education told us they welcomed the

report as it clearly highlights the difficulties parents have faced in

getting support for their children. We know the Special Education Needs

and Disability system needs improving, and that is why we have

published a Green Paper on the Ollie Headech, who lives in North

Devon, is musical and academically bright. Now 12, he was diagnosed

with aspergers three years ago. He used to hate school, where

teachers who misunderstood his condition treated him as naughty

and put him in isolation. Our son has been treated

appallingly by the education system. He has been denied his

opportunities to develop his full potential.

At a small village school, now his mainstream secondary, staff have

helped him progress. I Though some schools are clearly getting it

right, many parents say more must be done to ensure children are not

, I am treated more nicely. They know some schools are clearly

getting it right, many parents say more should be done to ensure

children are not let down by the The number of senior officers in

the armed forces needs to be cut and a crackdown on waste and

infighting is long overdue. That was the message from the Defence

Secretary this afternoon as he announced the biggest reform of the

MoD for a generation. Our Political Editor, Martyn Oates, is here to

tell us more. Liam Fox was painting a rather unflattering picture of

the MoD today. He is quoting a report commissioned

by the Government from Lord divine. -- Lord Levene. Career progression

and promotion needs to be more transparent. The report also found

there was too much squabbling between the three services. The

present system, it says, encourages poor decision-making and waste --

wasted money. The MoD currently has a financial black hole because it

bought equipment it did not have the money for. All of these things

have been welcomed by eight Lord Burnett, the South West and Liberal

Democrat. We need it a more sensible

decision-making process. This change will lead to that. It will,

I hope, sweep away these corrosive inter-service rivalries.

He is actually a former marine himself, he is hoping this might

lead to a former marine becoming Chief of Defence Staff. The report

was critical of the cuts announced in autumn. Today we are talking

about losing a few admirals and generals, but we know that

thousands of rank and file posts will go, as well.

This summer cash-strapped holidaymakers will be spending

millions of pounds less than last year in the South West. As Simon

Alexander reports a business survey says families will be holding onto

their cash rather than splashing out on meals out and trips to local

attractions. In a few weeks' time, this field in

Devon will be full of music fans from all over the country.

Chagstock is just one of hundreds of events hoping to cash in on the

summer tourist season, where more people than ever are expected to

holiday at home because of the economic climate.

This year it is economically difficult for people, and although

it has grown over the last few years, we are seeing a slowdown on

the increase on previous years. The South West tourist season

provides a huge financial boost to the region's economy, but this year

there are concerns that hard-hit holidaymakers will not spend as

much. A survey of more than 1,000 businesses found that bookings are

being made later. Perhaps more worringly, families will on average

spend up to �300 less during their stay in the region than last year.

Unfortunately, I feel it is a sign of the economic times we are in.

People will come down here, they will pay for travel and

accommodation, but getting them to splash the cash in this economic

environment is difficult. The financial landscape hasn't

stopped some tourism businesses from investing in their future,

with some reporting double the bookings on this time last year.

In terms of trends, we are experiencing more people taking UK

holidays. Our customers are telling us they normally go abroad but are

trying the UK. That is certainly helping in terms of our business.

It is now down to us to make sure we deliver and they come back again

and again. The weather and the wider economy

will have an impact on holidaymaker's spending power in

the months ahead, those in the industry will be hoping the green

shoots of recovery will encourage Earlier, I spoke to Duncan Currall

from Visit Devon. He said even though the result of the survey was

worrying, his organisation had not seen much evidence of it yet.

No, I think we are getting a mixed message. I think people are

naturally looking at spending less, generally come across the UK at the

moment. I think quite a few people are holding back on their spending.

Interestingly, 60 % of businesses are saying they have the same

bookings this year as they had last year. We are confident that a lot

of people are still looking to come to Devon for this season, and next

year, as well. Or obviously the survey is quite

far, how worrying is it? I think it is down to businesses,

whether they want to offer and it - - incentive for people to book

early rather than leave it to the last minute looking for a deal.

People are looking for deals, but when they are looking for those

they should perhaps consider the value for money they are getting

these days in Europe. With the high cost of the bureau, are they

getting the same value for money they got years ago. -- with the

high cost of the euro. There is so much been Devon for people to come

to, a range of different price bracket. We are open to all sorts

of markets, and some businesses will offer incentives, but others

will say, no, we will wait and see because we can fill our books.

It looks like the high end of the market might be struggling, with

the bucket-and-spade brigade doing quite well. Will the high end move?

I do not think so. I do not think people necessarily need to discount.

I think the offer over all is so good that I am very confident of

our product in Devon. There is plenty still ahead in the

There is an important meeting about to take place between Plymouth

Argyle's administrators and Pilgrims supporters at the city's

Guildhall. Dave Gibbins is there for us this

evening. Dave, what's it all about? It is an open meeting between the

fans and the chairman of the club. The buyout has not gone through as

smoothly as possible. A lot of questions, and joining me from the

supporters' trust is the chairman, Chris Webb. What do you think it

will be the mood tonight? The mood is electric in the run. It

is heaving in there, and people are waiting and there is an

anticipation. Do you think it will be aggressive?

I'd do not think so, I think we will set the tone from the chair.

We are asking Plymouth Argyle fans that we do not need aggression come

we need passion and answers from Brendan Guilfoyle and the others

tonight. We can still see people streaming

in over your shoulder there, what do you think fans will beat asking?

I think they will be saying we want more information on the prospective

owners of our football club. The identification of the

consortium, the leaders, the Irish consortium, has not been revealed,

as it? Absolutely not, and the rumours go

on. We want to know whether staff will be paid wages and whether the

club will be in safe hands. If we don't get the answers, they will be

in for a rough ride. The caveat is that the football

season starts five weeks on Saturday.

It is not all good news at Plymouth Argyle, because they're player, the

Icelandic international, has today been sacked because he did not

agree to the wit -- latest wage agree to the wit -- latest wage

deferral. He himself has not been paid... We can see some pictures of

him now it scoring one of his best goals, but he has not been paid for

seven successive months. It is now seven successive months. It is now

believed he is joining the Scottish There was double Twenty20 success

at Taunton cricket ground on Sunday for 7,000 fans. First up were

for 7,000 fans. First up were England Women, who beat their India

counterparts by 46 runs. England's prolific run scorer Claire Taylor

was again in top form, hitting 66 and enabling her team-mates to

reach the final of the quadrangular tournament, where they will meet

wicket win over Glamorgan. Marcus Trescothick's 58 helped them on

their way, assisted by Craig Meschede's maiden half century as

Somerset cantered home in the I wish I was there.

A reminder that next season's Exeter Chiefs fixtures in rugby's

Premiership will be revealed on Wednesday. There will be more on

tonight's meeting here at the Guildhall in Spotlight's late

bulletin at 10:25pm, here on BBC Around 6,000 children will be

involved in concerts being held Tonight and tomorrow at the

Plymouth Pavillions. The BBC Concert Orchestra will be

accompanying a youth band from Plymouth Music Zone as part of the

event. Johnny Rutherford has been Drinking in the morning sun...

And this band is one of two who have been given the opportunity to

be backed by the professional musicians of the BBC Concert

Orchestra. The concerts are aimed at young

people, hope the late young musicians of the future, and there

is nothing quite like seeing you Peers up on the stage was up to see

a young band playing with one of the top orchestras in the country.

Plymouth Music Zone is a Community- wide organisation encouraging young

musicians for 12 years. The people in the band specially

auditioned, and we hope to raise their aspirations, and we believe

that with hard work you can achieve great music.

In fairness, I must tell you this was our early rehearsal from three

weeks ago. It is an enormous privilege to produce such a concert,

and also quite a pressure. To be able to play with a group the

size of what it is his very overwhelming.

The we are really looking forward to it. It is like nothing any of us

have done before and it is a massive challenge, but I think we

Sadly, these particular Let's keep it musical.

Wellymanjaro - it could only be Glastonbury. As 180,000 festival

goers head home from one of the world's largest festivals the clean

up is underway. After three days of headline music acts and a lot of

mud, as you can imagine, it's a mammoth task ahead. Our Somerset

reporter has spent the day at the farm.

A monument to another muddy Glastonbury, but it is more than

just Wellington boots that get abandoned. 180,000 people are

heading home. It is this your tent? You are leaving it? At any have no

energy left insiders to pull it And while the festival does trying

to recycle what it can, the truth is that most of these tents and

everything inside will be bulldozed and sent to landfill.

Some of these tents are worth a lot of money, and they just weave them.

Pretty shocked by it. I as with every year, Monday is the

day an army of 300 and litter pickers get to work trying to make

worthy Farm a farm again. It is the likely to be at least a month

before these cans see their fields again. As might be for these

At least the our animals have left no, and the organisers have said it

No mistake with the headline act - Beyonce did not really need those

fireworks to set the Festival What a night - what they can

remember of it, anyway. I can't remember any of it! What

just happened! It was amazing, best one we have

ever been to. Now we have a long trek home.

Thousands headed home by train after getting a free Willy wash. --

I spoke to my wife and she was nearly in tears, as it, what is

wrong, I said, I don't want to come It looks like they had a marvellous

time. What is happening with the unusual tides we're having? We are

having reports that the tides are doing unusual things. Unusual

surges along the coast. We are going to look at that, talk to the

Met Office, also talk to the British Geological Survey and find

out what is going on. More on that out what is going on. More on that

on Spotlight tomorrow. We have had those tides, really

heavy thundery downpours of rain. The good news is for the rest of

the week it will be fresher, more sunshine and a drier conditions.

The line of cloud has been straining up from Spain and

Portugal, a lot of moisture and worms in thus generating heavy

showers. There is a clearance in that, edging into the far west of

Cornwall, and if whole lot, by lunchtime tomorrow, a ridge of high

pressure, fresher conditions, a north westerly winds and largely

dry. A few showers in the east. All this week, high pressure get a

little closer, by lunchtime on Thursday it is moving right across

southern Britain. At the moment, we have showers, one or two heavy with

a risk of thunder and lightning. Three whole lot will move eastwards

overnight, with a clearance coming into the Far West and a fresher

feel, temperatures back down to 11 Celsius. Tomorrow, not a bad start

to the day, we may have some patchy cloud that make generate one or two

showers, the further west we are the clear the skies and the more

sunshine we are likely to see. It will not be anywhere near as warm,

temperatures between 16 Celsius and 18 Celsius. A fine day for the

Isles of Scilly, 15 Celsius the top temperature with brisk, north-

westerly winds. The times of high water brought back the south coast

will be the cleanest, up to three feet, clean, and 3-four feet on the

north coast. Generally for this week, the weather is looking pretty

good. It is fine, bright, we may see some showers, but it is

unlikely. Thursday, dry, temperatures much cooler, though, a

temperatures much cooler, though, a little more fresh during the night.

We mentioned the strange tidal surge earlier, if you have any