The number of people living in extreme poverty in the UK has reached its highest level in three decades, with nearly 6.8 million people now living in extreme poverty, according to a study published on Tuesday.
'Extreme poverty' is defined as a household whose income, after deducting rent and housing costs, is less than 40 percent of the UK median income. For a couple with two minor children, this income is approximately £16,400 (about $22,447) a year.
The Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF) has conducted research on the goal of ending poverty in the UK. According to their research report, the overall poverty rate in the UK has fallen slightly from 24 percent in 1994-95 to 21 percent in 2023-24. However, the number of people living in 'extreme poverty' has increased from 8 percent to 10 percent. This means that almost half of the people living in poverty in the country are now 'extremely poor'.The report also notes that child poverty is on the rise. Currently, there are about 4.5 million children in poverty in the country. In view of this trend of increasing child poverty for the third consecutive year, the UK Finance Minister Rachel Reeves took a decision in November last year.
The decision, which will remove the two-child limit on welfare benefits from April this year, aims to reduce child poverty by increasing benefits for families. Officials estimate it will cost around £3.1 billion.The country's Conservative government imposed this cap on welfare benefits in 2017. As a result, many low-income families did not receive additional welfare benefits even if they had a third or subsequent child.
The Joseph Rowntree Foundation welcomed the decision to remove the two-child limit on welfare benefits, but warned that it should not be the only step.
According to Joseph Rowntree, progress in this sector may stall if the government does not take more strategic steps to end child poverty.
According to the report, the impact of poverty is particularly severe on children. At the same time, people with disabilities also face the effects of poverty.
In addition, poverty rates are significantly higher among some minority communities in the UK, such as Bangladeshi and Pakistani communities.
John Bird, founder of the charity Big Issue, described the JRF report as "bad news for society".
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