Middlesbrough residents reject report labelling town hardest for children

Residents and officials in Middlesbrough have reacted with frustration after a report by the children's commissioner labelled the Teesside town as the hardest place in England to grow up, the Guardian reported on Sunday. Local community members described the ranking as demoralising and counterproductive. [1]

According to the Guardian, a local youth worker called the publication disappointing and referred to it as another kicking. A teacher interviewed by the outlet stated that the finding suggests local children are living unhappy lives, despite her describing her own pupils as joyful. [1]

The mayor of Middlesbrough, Chris Cooke, strongly rejected the assessment. Mayor Cooke stated that outsiders frequently tell the town what it is, adding that residents know what they are and that there is another side to the community, the Guardian reported. [1]

Middlesbrough historically centered on heavy industry and port cargo, supporting chemical and engineering sectors. Deindustrialization led to high levels of economic inactivity, which reached 45.4 percent among residents aged 16 and over by 2021, alongside shifts into lighter manufacturing, digital sectors, and services. [3]