There are over 90,000 more children in working households growing up in poverty in the East of England since 2010, a new study has revealed.

Data by the TUC showed that child poverty within working families in the region rose to 268,516 in 2018, an increase of 56 per cent since the start of the decade.

And this shows the region had the third highest increase throughout the UK.

Nationally, TUC data found that child poverty within working families rose to 2.8 million in 2018, seeing an increase of nearly 800,000 since 2010.

Watford’s parliamentary candidate for Labour Chris Ostrowski said the figures “bring shame” on the Conservatives.

But Dean Russell, Conservative parliamentary candidate for the town, said there are now 687,000 fewer children growing up in workless households, and over one million people have been lifted out of absolute poverty.

However, Mr Ostrowski said the country needed “real change” following the release of the figures.

He said: “These are families where parents have to choose between putting the heating on, or giving their family a proper meal. Families who suffer the constant stress of trying to pay off debts. Families who can’t afford school trips, or to travel to see relatives just a few towns away.

“We’re one of the richest countries in the world – things don’t have to be like this.

“You can’t trust Boris Johnson’s Tories or the Lib Dems to end child poverty, after they collaborated with each other on the cuts that caused this misery.”

However, Mr Russell said ending child poverty “must be a priority of any Government”.

He said: "As a parent, the thought of any child living in poverty breaks my heart.

“There is support for every child through Child Benefit. Families on Universal Credit who move into work are now able to claim back up to 85% of their childcare costs.

“The doubling of free childcare for 3- and 4-year olds from 15 to 30 hours will save 390,000 working families around £5,000 per year. More than £15 billion of funding has been provided through the pupil premium to help close the attainment gap between disadvantaged pupils and their peers."

Meanwhile, Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate for Watford Cllr Ian Stotesbury said his party has committed an additional £6 billion a year to “undo damage caused by the introduction of Universal Credit by the Tories”.

He added the funding would also support the welfare system.

Cllr Stotesbury continued: “We would also use our additional £50 billion Remain bonus to invest in our schools to give children the best start in life. The Conservatives simply cannot be trusted to look after disadvantaged children in Watford.'

“No child in Watford or across the country should be growing up in poverty.”

To see the full report click here