Menu
09/05/2011
New Measure Of Pensioner Poverty Introduced
A new way of measuring older people’s quality of life will has been introduced by the Government today.
A 'material deprivation' indicator for pensioners will capture wider elements of everyday life many that people take for granted but are in fact key indications of older people's experiences.
Pensions Minister, Steve Webb said: "Income is very important, which is why restoring the earnings link for the basic State Pension was one of the first things the Coalition did when it came to power. However, we want to be able to take a more rounded view. This new indicator raises important questions about how Government and wider third-sector organisations could go beyond the issue of income to help transform lives. This is early days, but we are piloting ways to help older people overcome social isolation."
The material deprivation indicator uses a set of goods, services and experiences to capture low standards of living and is designed to complement existing income-based measures.
It will be used, alongside existing income-based measures in the Households Below Average Income Report published in May 2010 using data for 2009/10. Child poverty has been measured in this way since 2004/5.
Figures show that there is only a small overlap in pensioners who are materially deprived and those on a low income, and 670,000 pensioners who are materially deprived do not have a low income.
(BMcN/GK)
A 'material deprivation' indicator for pensioners will capture wider elements of everyday life many that people take for granted but are in fact key indications of older people's experiences.
Pensions Minister, Steve Webb said: "Income is very important, which is why restoring the earnings link for the basic State Pension was one of the first things the Coalition did when it came to power. However, we want to be able to take a more rounded view. This new indicator raises important questions about how Government and wider third-sector organisations could go beyond the issue of income to help transform lives. This is early days, but we are piloting ways to help older people overcome social isolation."
The material deprivation indicator uses a set of goods, services and experiences to capture low standards of living and is designed to complement existing income-based measures.
It will be used, alongside existing income-based measures in the Households Below Average Income Report published in May 2010 using data for 2009/10. Child poverty has been measured in this way since 2004/5.
Figures show that there is only a small overlap in pensioners who are materially deprived and those on a low income, and 670,000 pensioners who are materially deprived do not have a low income.
(BMcN/GK)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
09 September 2009
Top Teen Concerns Are Losing Weight And Fitting In
Today's teens are most worried about losing weight and fitting in, a survey for NHS Teen LifeCheck has revealed. But more teenagers from low income families worry about bullying, drugs, and smoking compared to peers from high income families.
Top Teen Concerns Are Losing Weight And Fitting In
Today's teens are most worried about losing weight and fitting in, a survey for NHS Teen LifeCheck has revealed. But more teenagers from low income families worry about bullying, drugs, and smoking compared to peers from high income families.
07 June 2004
Pension Credit uptake passes three million mark
Government figures out today have revealed that over three million people are receiving Pension Credit. The figures, published by the Department for Work and Pensions, found that as of the end of May there are now 3.03 million individuals (2.
Pension Credit uptake passes three million mark
Government figures out today have revealed that over three million people are receiving Pension Credit. The figures, published by the Department for Work and Pensions, found that as of the end of May there are now 3.03 million individuals (2.
20 October 2011
Migration Patterns Probed As Environment Changes
A new international report, published today, reveals that the major challenges associated with migration and environmental change have been underestimated. By focusing solely on those that might leave vulnerable areas, we risk neglecting those that will be 'trapped' and those that will actually move towards danger.
Migration Patterns Probed As Environment Changes
A new international report, published today, reveals that the major challenges associated with migration and environmental change have been underestimated. By focusing solely on those that might leave vulnerable areas, we risk neglecting those that will be 'trapped' and those that will actually move towards danger.
07 September 2011
Childcare Costs Force Poor Out Of Work
Families on low-incomes across the UK are having to turn down jobs or are considering leaving work because they can't afford to pay for childcare. New research from Save the Children and Daycare Trust also found that parents, regardless of income, say that they can't afford not to work, but struggle to pay for childcare.
Childcare Costs Force Poor Out Of Work
Families on low-incomes across the UK are having to turn down jobs or are considering leaving work because they can't afford to pay for childcare. New research from Save the Children and Daycare Trust also found that parents, regardless of income, say that they can't afford not to work, but struggle to pay for childcare.
21 July 2009
Opportunity 'Lost' For Low Income Medics
A new report aimed at increasing the number of doctors from lower income groups was today branded a 'missed opportunity'. Doctor and medical student leaders said that it failed to address the full of extent of the soaring financial cost of studying medicine in the UK.
Opportunity 'Lost' For Low Income Medics
A new report aimed at increasing the number of doctors from lower income groups was today branded a 'missed opportunity'. Doctor and medical student leaders said that it failed to address the full of extent of the soaring financial cost of studying medicine in the UK.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
