More than a third of Brent children are living in poverty, which ranks the borough among the top ten worst affected local authorities in the capital, new figures reveal.

Research by End Child Poverty, which maps the extent of financial hardship in the UK, shows that 35 per cent of the borough’s child population live in families struggling below the poverty line.

Brent ranks joint tenth, with Waltham Forest, while Tower Hamlets tops the list, with one in every two youngsters found to be living under poor conditions according to the research.

In comparison, youths raised in Richmond upon Thames, were more than three times less likely to be raised in poverty.

David Holmes, chair of the child poverty charity, said: “These figures reveal just how widely and deeply child poverty reaches into our communities, even those areas generally regarded as well off.

“Far too many children whose parents are struggling to make a living are suffering as a result and missing out on the essentials of a decent childhood that all young people should be entitled to.

“We can and must do better for our children.”

Cllr Muhammed Butt, leader of the council said: “Brent Council is committed to tackling poverty for children and their parents. In particular our priority is helping parents gain employment so the whole family can have better living standards.

“We do recognise however that many working people in Brent have very low incomes. Our children’s centres and childcare offer are key to helping children affected by poverty and breaking the cycle of deprivation.”