Stockton-on-Tees makes progress in tackling poverty and inequality

Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council is making positive progress in tackling poverty and reducing inequalities across the Borough, a report has revealed. 

The Council's Cabinet heard an update yesterday (14 May) on progress made by the Council and its partners since the adoption of its ambitious Anti-Poverty Strategy and Action Plan in July 2024. 

The report outlines work across four key priority areas including household poverty, child poverty, participation and voice, and health and wellbeing. 

Among the work highlighted is The Bread and Butter Thing, which operates across five hubs in the Borough, providing high-quality, low-cost food. In 2025, residents purchased 13,590 sets of shopping, saving £339,738. As an open‑access service, it has helped to remove stigma while also reducing levels of avoidable food waste. 

A Multibank was also launched in 2024, enabling local organisations, NHS teams and Council services to access hundreds of thousands of free, donated products to support residents and make a difference to families in need. Since the launch, 725,418 items have been distributed across Stockton-on-Tees, with an estimated value of over £4million. 

Support with the cost of living is continuing to benefit households, with 684 residents registering for Switch Together Energy (formerly known as Big Community Switch) between April and December 2025, helping reduce energy bills. A further 80 residents received boiler repairs or servicing through the Warm Homes Healthy People scheme. 

Over 3,000 residents have also attended the Council's Here to Help events since they launched in 2024. Aimed at families, these events provide give access to vital information and a range of support.   

A recent report to Cabinet in March 2026 also highlighted the wide range of practical measures delivered by the Council and its partners to reduce inequality and ensure every child has the best start in life.  

In 2025, nearly 400 children were auto-enrolled to receive free school meals, with an increase of almost £500,000 in pupil premium.   

More than 10,000 HAF (Holidays are Fun) Programme sessions were attended, which provided over 14,000 free, funded holiday activities and healthy meals. To ease financial pressures further, families were also able to access free school uniform through the Council's four Family Hubs, as well as prom outfits and a range of cost-of-living support services.   

Efforts to tackle social isolation are also having a positive impact, with free community events such as the popular Warm Welcome sessions where people can enjoy a hot drink, play games and take part activities such as bingo and group days out.  

The 'Something New for You' sessions arranged by the Fairer Stockton-on-Tees and Community Engagement teams attract hundreds of visitors and encourage new experiences for the community, featuring activities such as cooking demonstrations, chair-based exercises, and interactive sessions, promoting various services and support from over 40 organisations. 

The Council's Learning and Skills courses are delivering strong results, with achievement rates exceeding 90 per cent and apprenticeship outcomes outperforming the national average. By equipping people with the skills they need to succeed, is playing a vital role in improving life chances and strengthening the borough's workforce. 

Councillor Lisa Evans, Leader of the Council, said: "It is hugely encouraging to hear this update and to reflect on the progress being made to tackle poverty as part of our Powering Our Futures programme. 

"There are some great examples of partnership working to reduce inequalities and make a positive difference to people's everyday lives. From improving access to support services to creating new opportunities and experiences for residents, we are doing all we can to ensure no one is left behind. 

"However, we are not complacent and remain committed to continuing our efforts so that everyone in the Borough has fair and equal opportunities to thrive. Working closely with partners and people with lived experience, we will ensure our work to tackle poverty remains relevant, ambitious and responsive to the needs of our communities." 

The Anti-Poverty Strategy is part of the Council's commitment to reducing poverty and inequality through its Powering our Future programme, A Fairer Stockton-on-Tees and key priorities in the Stockton-on-Tees Plan.