Something useful from poverty statistics

Arguments about the existence and extent of poverty in the UK are endless and often pointless. Save the Children kicked off the latest last month with a fundraising appeal. The ensuing debate, between poverty deniers and those who know something about it, was more depressing than illuminating. So instead of rehearsing the usual lines, here's something from behind the stats that has a practical use.

People move in and out of poverty. Being poor is not a description of a person or a family. It's a description of what is happening to them. Yes, for some people poverty is distressingly persistent. But many more move in and out of it. They have bad times, they have better times.

What is the practical use of that? On the one hand, it's a reminder not to despair. Knowing that things probably won't go on like this for ever doesn't solve the immediate problems. Far from it. But that bit of hope is not nothing either. It can make a difference to have a sense that something will change - a better paid job, more hours, cheaper housing or less expensive travel. These are the realities that will, at some time, lift families and individuals out of poverty.

There's a practical implication too for those who are not in poverty. It is worth looking ahead to when times might be harder and making sure that there is some sort of financial cushion. The habit of saving is worth developing, especially when times are better. A sudden drop in income is always hard to cope with. But the misery and desperation is greater if there is no cushion.