Society: Significantly more children in severe poverty in Great Britain

More than a million children in Britain live in severe poverty, according to a study. The number almost tripled from 2017 to 2022, said the charity Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF).

A total of 3.8 million lived in miserable conditions. Anyone who is unable to satisfy the most basic physical needs: to stay warm, dry, clean and fed is considered to be in need.

Why is there such a significant increase?

The reason for the significant increase was a combination of very low incomes, rising costs of living and high debt, the report said. In addition, the social system does not protect people – only almost three quarters of those in need (72 percent) receive aid. More than half of the affected households have a weekly income of less than 85 pounds (97.70 euros). Singles between the ages of 25 and 44 are particularly in need, but more and more families and older people are also slipping into extreme poverty.

“Such severe hardship should have no place in the UK today and the British public will not tolerate misery on this scale,” said JRF chief executive Paul Kissack. He accused the conservative government of refusing to take countermeasures. The report highlighted that the welfare system is so full of gaps that charities such as food banks must try to save people from the worst of hardship. “But the task is too big for them,” they said.

The government said it was investing a lot of money in social support as well as job creation measures and free child care. Aid organizations hope for an increase in social benefits in line with inflation.