One million children in Britain live in extreme poverty

More than a million children in Britain are living in extreme poverty, a study suggests. This number will almost triple from 2017 to 2022, the Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF) said today.

A total of 3.8 million people lived in miserable conditions. Anyone who cannot meet the most basic physical needs: warm, dry, clean, and fed is considered needy.

The report attributed the significant increase to extremely low incomes, rising living costs and high debt. Additionally, the social system is not protecting people—only nearly three-quarters (72 percent) of those in need receive help.

More than half of affected households have a weekly income of 85 pounds (about 98 euros). Singles between the ages of 25 and 44 are particularly in need, but more families and older people are also pushed into extreme poverty.

Allegations against Govt

“Such extreme hardship has no place in the UK today and the British public will not tolerate suffering on this scale,” said JRF chief executive Paul Kissock. He accused the Conservative government of refusing to take countermeasures.

The report highlighted that charitable organizations like welfare organizations and food banks should try to save people from the worst hardships. “But the task is too great for them,” they said.

The government said it would invest a lot of money in social support and job creation measures and free childcare. Aid agencies believe that social benefits will increase in line with inflation.