Mayor Kim McGuinness to Help Fight Child Poverty

Kim McGuinness, the newly elected Labour mayor of the North East, has proposed the introduction of free school meals provided independently of the government as a strategy to combat child poverty in the region. McGuinness emphasized the collective willingness of the community to address the issue, stating, "We've got a really willing region, everyone wants to tackle this problem." In addition to tackling child poverty, McGuinness is focusing on revitalizing town centres, which she described as having "gone downhill" due to empty shops and high rents. She noted that these challenges have driven both businesses and shoppers away, highlighting the need for a comprehensive approach to improve local economies. To address these concerns, McGuinness announced the establishment of a High Streets Commission aimed at collaborating with businesses and residents to enhance towns like Newton Aycliffe. She pointed out the instability of high streets, exacerbated by the departure of larger retailers, and stressed the importance of supporting small, sustainable businesses that contribute to the local economy. Furthermore, McGuinness is exploring the potential of mayoral development corporations, similar to those in the Tees Valley, to facilitate town centre improvements. Her vision includes building a stronger foundation for local businesses and fostering community pride, as she believes that the region's 2.1 million residents deserve a thriving and vibrant environment.