Published at 15:36, Friday, 01 March 2013

FURNESS residents are opening up about the struggles they face making ends meet during tough economic times.

TOUGH ISSUES Furness MP John Woodcock, left, with Greengate Infant School head teacher Caroline Hoggarth and Furness Poverty Commission secretary, Joe Nixon JON GRANGER

A survey launched by the Furness Poverty Commission, together with the Evening Mail, is helping to gauge the true level of deprivation in the area.

Residents have until March 12 to complete the questionnaire before the results are incorporated into a report that local MP John Woodcock will table in parliament.

The commission’s secretary, Joe Nixon, said getting as many responses as possible to the survey, as well as more detailed case studies, was vital to the success of the project.

He said: “What we want the case studies to do is give the report a human element because I’ve got thousands and thousands of statistics to choose from.

“The survey questions are specifically focused on not only understanding what poverty is, but getting data specifically for Furness, rather than about Cumbria or England in general.”

The Furness Poverty Commission was set up by Mr Woodcock after he became concerned at the number of his constituents slipping into hardship because of the recession.

The commission is chaired by Greengate Infant School head teacher, Caroline Hoggarth and is comprised of representatives from local schools, councils and community organisations.

Residents can complete the survey either online or by filling out the attached form and returning it to the Evening Mail offices in Abbey Road, Barrow, LA14 5QS.

The commission’s final report will be launched on May 17.

Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk