20 March 26
Business and inclusive economy

Council launches strategy to continue fight against poverty

A major strategy to continue to tackle poverty and its causes across the borough is being launched by Trafford Council.

A Scrabble board with tiles spelling words related to poverty, including POVERTY, FOOD, BENEFITS, STIGMA, MONEY and CHILDCARE, with the word WORK placed separately at the bottom of the image.

The Executive this week gave its support to the Trafford Poverty Strategy 2026-2030 which sets out plans to create a future where fewer people in the borough experience poverty and ensures that those who do are fully supported.

The strategy follows on from the Trafford Poverty Strategy 2023-2025, which was shaped by the Trafford Poverty Truth Commission (PTC) - a group made up of a special team of community commissioners, made up of Trafford residents, and civic commissioners from the private, public and voluntary sectors.

The PTC recommended improvements to how Trafford residents access services; including using the voice of people with lived experience of poverty to help shape policy and practice, as well as making public transport truly accessible for everyone and tackling mental health and social isolation.

There have been a number of successes including the setting up of the Stretford and Sale West Advice Hubs to improve access to help and information as well as using the voices of lived experience to shape council policies and the creation of the Money Advice Referral Tool to help those struggling through the cost of living crisis.

The 2026-2030 Strategy will follow on from these success stories and focus on six main themes:

  • Access to support: Making it easier for residents experiencing poverty to connect with in-person services like housing advice and support.
     
  • Accessing financial support: Empowering households to maximise their income by ensuring access to all benefits and financial support they are entitled to.
     
  • Best start in life: Supporting children, young people, and their families with additional support o Sustainable food provision.
     
  • Creating a more sustainable food system in Trafford, addressing critical issues such as food poverty, healthy weight and climate change.
     
  • Connecting communities: Enhancing public transport to improve access to jobs, education, and essential services, and prioritising digital inclusion to help people get online and stay connected.
     
  • Pathways to work: Helping residents find meaningful employment and training that leads to long-term financial security.

Councillor George Devlin, Executive Member for Housing and Advice and Chair of the Trafford Poverty Action Group, said the Council was totally committed to tackling poverty at every level.

Cllr Devlin said: 

“Trafford Council is proud to launch the Trafford Poverty Strategy 2026-2030 and remains committed to ensuring all residents, businesses and communities are given the opportunity to thrive in their own way.

"The Poverty Strategy 2026-2030 will continue the great work of the last strategy and will ensure all our partners work together to give help and support to those residents who are struggling. We will make sure our Poverty Strategy is shaped by those experiencing poverty and inequality.

"This strategy recognises that the causes of poverty are wide-ranging and many existing strategies and programmes of work are underway in Trafford to help reduce inequality and improve lives. We will not eradicate poverty but together, we can prevent it and provide targeted support to alleviate the disadvantages experienced by many of our residents."