Number of children living in poverty rises

June 13

The number of children living below the poverty line has risen for a second year, according to a government report.

The amount of children living in poverty has risen by 100,000 to 3.8 million.

In 1999 the government promised to halve child poverty by 2010 and eradicate it by 2020.

IFS research economist, David Phillips said further increases in poverty and inequality will not be welcome news to the government.

“We estimate that it would need to spend a further £2.8 billion a year by 2010-11 to give itself a 50-50 chance of meeting its next child poverty target,” he said.

The government defines poverty as households whose income is 60 % below average income.

A second definition says a family is poor if it has a low income and can’t afford certain items. On this measure the Institute for Fiscal Studies [IFS] says child poverty has fallen since 2004-5.

Chief Executive of Child Poverty Action Group, Kate Green, said:

“We all know that even in tight Budget years, funding for the most important needs can be found. Failure in 2010 would not be due to a lack of national wealth, but a lack of moral leadership.

“We are calling for the £3 billion investment to be found that would ensure the 2010 target to halve child poverty is met.”