Tower Hamlets has the highest child poverty rate in the country, with almost half the borough’s children living in sub-standard conditions.

Figures released by the End Child Poverty Campaign reveal that 49 per cent live in poverty – the highest in the UK and double the national average.

Poplar and Limehouse MP Jim Fitzpatrick blasted the council for the high deprivation, partly blaming “bad administration” at the Town Hall.

He added: “I wrote to Mayor Rahman just last week regarding this issue and raised my concerns over an analysis showing the four wards with the highest povertyin Tower Hamlets being in receipt of the lowest grant support.”

Mr Fitzpatrick said he has not had a response.

But Mayor Lutfur Rahman told the Advertiser: “Supporting vulnerable children and their families is one of my top priorities and we continue to work with our partners in tackling child poverty.

“In light of central government cuts, we must work even harder to ensure our services reach those who need them most.”

He cited the council’s Fairness Commission, free school meals scheme and help creating jobs as examples.

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