13/06/2013

One In Six UK Children Living In Poverty

New figures released by the Department for Work and Pensions reveal that one in six children are living in poverty.

2.3 million, or 17%, of Uk children were recorded as "living in homes with substantially lower than average income" in 2011-2012. A figure that rises to 3.5 million, or 27%, when housing costs are deducted from incomes.

The way in which poverty is measured, relative and absolute, has lead to some disagreement over the true figure of the number of children living in poor homes.

It is understood that both the government and Labour have a preference for the relative measurement, which is defined as when families have an income that is below 60% of "median net disposable income".

Under relative poverty, there has been no change in child poverty.

However, campaigners argue that using absolute poverty measurement, which is adjusted for inflation, shows that 300,000 more children fell below the poverty line in 2011-12.

(MH/CD)

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