Almost half of Haringey’s children are in families where they survive on just £10 each a week.

Of the 55,285 children and young people under 17 in the borough, 61 per cent belong to a low-income family, with 41 per cent living in a family where no one is employed.

Figures released by the Campaign to End Child Poverty classes families living in poverty as those whose income is as little as £10 per member per week, and low-income families as those managing on just above £10.

Haringey was one of the third worst boroughs in the capital for child poverty, and the study also exposed the uneven distribution of wealth within the borough.

The highest levels of deprivation were found in Northumberland Park, where two thirds of children are living in poverty, while in St Anns and White Hart Lane the figure is 55 per cent.

With only 12 per cent of its young people living in poverty, Muswell Hill is the borough’s wealthiest ward, followed by neighbouring Alexandra at 13 per cent.

The figures published on Tuesday are based on 2005 data and Haringey Council stressed levels of child poverty had fallen four per cent in the past four years.

Councillor Liz Santry, cabinet member for children and young people, said: “Local and central government initiatives have led to a reduction in the number of children living in poverty in our borough.”

The council has developed a Child Poverty Strategy that aims to reduce child poverty by 4.5 per cent by 2011.

It focuses on four objectives: getting unemployed parents into work, ensuring families claim their benefit entitlements, reducing educational attainment gaps, and improving housing.

“We want a renewed drive to reduce child poverty in our borough,” added Ms Santry.

“We must ensure today’s children don’t become the parents of poor children tomorrow,”

Last week Prime Minister Gordon Brown admitted the Government would not meet its target of halving child poverty by 2010, but claimed it was on track to meet the goal by 2020.

Tottenham MP David Lammy said: “Even in these difficult economic times, I am determined to see that we meet this target and deliver for all children.”

Consultation on the child poverty strategy runs until November 5 and will be reported to cabinet in December.