Ellie Ames 24 October 2023

One million UK children in poverty

One million UK children in poverty image
Image: altanaka / Shutterstock.com

There were 3.8 million people, including a million children, living in destitution in the UK in 2022, with state support ‘relatively absent’, a new report has found.

‘Destitution’, or being unable to afford two or more essentials including food and shelter, is ‘no longer a rare occurrence’ in the UK, according to the Joseph Rowntree Foundation’s (JRF) fourth study on the issue.

Analysis by the charity found that an estimated 1.8 million households lived in destitution at some point in 2022 – an ‘unprecedented’ 68% increase since 2019.

The number of children in destitute households soared by 88% over the three-year period.

The largest increase was in destitute migrant households: a 95% surge. The JRF said a high proportion of these households included children.

Food was lacked most often, with the dominance of food banks as a source of support a ‘stand-out’ finding. For the first time, heating was the second-most lacked essential.

The JRF said the ‘relative absence’ of the state as a source of support, other than providing mainstream welfare benefits, was ‘striking’.

Nearly three-quarters of people experiencing destitution were in receipt of social security payments, which the charity said was evidence of benefit inadequacy.

It said aside from local authority action to avert homelessness reported by a small number of interviewees, there was ‘very little evidence’ of statutory sector services protecting people from destitution.

Action for Children’s director of policy and campaigns, Imran Hussain, said the findings were a ‘disgrace’ and said all benefits should be increased with inflation at an ‘absolute minimum’.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

PRINCIPAL TRANSPORT PLANNING OFFICER

Hull City Council
£43693 - £46731
We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced professional to join our team in Hull as a Principal Transport Planning Officer. Kingston upon Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire
Recuriter: Hull City Council

HIGHWAYS AND TRAFFIC ENGINEER - 4 POSTS

Hull City Council
£43693 - £46731
We have several exciting opportunities for suitably qualified Highways Civil Engineers and Traffic Engineers Wilson Centre, 1st floor, Hull HU1 2AG
Recuriter: Hull City Council

Strategic Director, Finance and Resources (S.151 Officer)

Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council
£110,799 - £120,706
Blackburn with Darwen is a distinctive, welcoming and vibrant borough with a strong identity and a genuine buzz about the place. Blackburn, Lancashire
Recuriter: Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council

Residential Worker, Edge of Care Service

Durham County Council
Grade 7 £29,093 - £32,654 PAY AWARD PENDING
Join a Groundbreaking Team Supporting Families in Seaham Salary
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Bikeability Cycling Instructor

Durham County Council
Grade 4 £24,790 to £25,992 pro rata (Pay Award Pending)
The Road Safety Team are keen to recruit additional Casual Bikability Instructors to join our team of instructors delivering Bikeability cycle trainin Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner