Figures also show 26 per cent of under 16s in the borough are living on the breadline

More than 40 per cent of under 16s in the Stonebridge ward are living in poverty, according to figures released yesterday.

The statistics collated by End Child Poverty revealed that 42 per cent of children living in the ward, one of the most deprived in the country, were suffering from relative poverty.

The ward is home to two of the biggest housing estates in the borough Stonebridge and St Raphael’s.

Kenton had the lowest figure with 10 per cent.

The figures also showed that 26 per cent of children throughout the borough are also living in relative poverty.

Tower Hamlets in east London has the highest level of poverty in the country with 42 per cent.

Enver Solomon, Chair of the End Child Poverty campaign said: “The child poverty map reveals the depth and breadth of child poverty across the country showing the gross levels of inequality that children face in every region.

“Far too many children whose parents are struggling to make a living are having to go hungry and miss out on the essentials of a decent childhood that all young people should be entitled to.

“Local authorities are having to deal with reduced budgets but they have critical decisions to make.

“We’re calling on authorities to prioritise low income families in the decisions they make about local welfare spending, including spending on the new council tax benefit, and on protecting families hit by the bedroom tax.”

Cllr Muhammed Butt, leader of Brent Council, said he was working to safeguard local income families despite the sweeping cuts taking place throughout the borough.

He said: “Despite the government cutting our budget by a third, we have a new employment team and training offer, to help as many residents as possible get back into work that pays a decent wage.

“That is why we have an aggressive strategy for regeneration across the borough. It is why we are pushing the Living Wage to all Brent businesses to ensure people earn enough to live a fulfilling and comfortable life.

“It is also why we have frozen Council Tax for another two years, saving our poorest residents £330, and why we are encouraging people to use our energy switching scheme to save up to £200 a year from their energy bills.”

Borough ward breakdown of poverty statistics (per cent)

Stonebridge 42

Harlesden 39

Willesden Green 34

Dudden Hill 33

Kilburn 33

Dollis Hill 32

Mapesbury 27

Kensal Green 26

Barnhill 25

Welsh Harp 25

Preston 23

Queensbury 22

Tokyington 22

Brondesbury Park 21

Sudbury 21

Wembley Central 18

Fryent 19

Alperton 16

Queen’s Park 16

Northwick Park 12

Kenton 10