Thousands of families across County Durham continue to face poverty, with rates above the national average and support services under increasing strain.
The latest figures, published by Durham County Council in its Annual Poverty Progress Report 2025/26, show that around 29.2% of children in the county are living in poverty.
Demand for fuel support, housing assistance and welfare advice remains high despite some easing of wider economic pressures.
More than 112,000 people in County Durham are estimated to be living in absolute poverty after housing costs, equivalent to around one in five residents.
The report states: “Poverty and financial insecurity remain significant challenges in County Durham, affecting individuals, families, and communities in different ways.
“While some economic pressures have eased, households continue to face cost-of-living pressures driven by high housing, energy and food costs, labour market uncertainty, and ongoing changes to national welfare reform.
“Demand for financial support, advice, housing assistance and crisis services, therefore, remains structurally high.”
The report also highlights wider challenges facing the North East, including higher-than-average levels of deprivation, economic inactivity, in-work poverty and health-related barriers to employment.
Meanwhile, County Durham’s position in national deprivation rankings has worsened. The county is now ranked as the 40th most deprived upper-tier local authority area in England, compared with 48th previously.
According to the council, about 9,000 residents – around 7% of the population – live in areas among the most deprived 1% nationally. More than half of residents, approximately 275,600 people, live within the 30% most deprived areas in England.
The report also found that more than one in three children are eligible for free school meals.
An estimated 26,600 households are struggling to afford adequate heating and energy.
Council leaders said the findings underline the continued need for financial support, welfare advice and targeted interventions to help residents facing hardship across the county.
Bill Edgar
Reporter for the Local Democracy Reporter Service.
South West Durham News covering news across County Durham.
