Despite Cornwall’s reputation as a holiday destination with stunning beaches and charming towns, it faces significant levels of deprivation, particularly affecting children and families. As of recent studies, Cornwall ranks among the most deprived areas in England, with 17 of its neighborhoods classified in the top 10% for deprivation nationally. Child poverty remains a serious issue, with nearly 30% of children living in poverty, among the highest rates in the South West. In 2023, over 21% of Cornwall’s children were living in families with low incomes.

Several contributing factors include low wages, a high prevalence of part-time employment, and limited social housing options—Cornwall’s social housing availability is only 11%, well below the national average of 18%. Additionally, a full-time worker in Cornwall earns roughly 79% of the UK’s median income, while housing costs, including rents and home prices, have surged, exacerbating living conditions for many families. These challenges make addressing poverty in Cornwall critical, especially as tourism masks the depth of hardship for its year-round residents.