Rising poverty noted by report

04/12/2009

Money problems among Britons are increasing, according to new figures released by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation.

The recession, which has led to unemployment rising to its highest level in 14 years, was seen as a key contributing factor towards the trend.

However, the Joseph Rowntree Foundation pointed out that poverty began to worsen in 2004-05 - before the onset of the credit crunch.

Included in the report was the statistic that the number of children living in low-income households with one parent or guardian in employment has reached 2.1 million.

This is the highest number on record for this group.

Responding to the report, John Dickie, acting chief executive of Child Poverty Action Group, said: "The idea that work is the best way out of poverty lies at the centre of current policies to eradicate poverty. Yet … getting a job is not the solution it should be for parents and their children.

"If the government is to even come close to its target of halving child poverty by 2010 then Alistair Darling must use the pre-budget report to boost benefits and tax credits for families in and out of work."

Data from Citizens Advice suggests that problems relating to finances and benefits are rising at an annual rate of 21 per cent in England and Wales.

Tags; Income Worries and Debt, Young Family Finances,

• Share
• 
• 
• Store
• 
• Follow
•