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Number of children in extreme poverty rises to 550,000

2 mins read Social Care Health Education Coronavirus
The number of children living in destitution has increased to 550,000, according to latest figures analysed by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation.
Poverty rates are expected to increase over the next two years, the JRF warns. Picture: Adobe Stock
Poverty rates are expected to increase over the next two years, the JRF warns. Picture: Adobe Stock

It found that “worryingly” there has been “a big rise in destitution” which now affects one million households, involving 2.4m people and including 550,000 children.

The latest figures relate to 2019 and are a rise of 35 per cent on destitution data from 2017.

The charity warns that the figures suggest “further increases” due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Destitution describes extreme poverty where people are unable to provide for themselves or their family.

Among households with children to be worst affected will be those in social and rented housing. Almost half of social renters are already living in poverty “reflecting their comparatively lower incomes”. In addition, a third of private renters are in poverty, said the JRF.

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