This report draws on a longitudinal study which followed a set of families on low incomes and their experiences of making ends meet over six years before and during the pandemic. It is based on interviews with parents in 13 families in November and December 2021, focusing on how families managed as the pandemic extended into a second year. It also considers the continuing implications and pressures of managing on a low income in a changing world as the pandemic eases (and state responses to mitigate the financial impact are rolled back), but the cost of living crisis emerges. The Covid crisis added another complication to the lives of those already dealing with multiple stressors. The post-pandemic world will bring ongoing and new challenges, as well as opportunities, in changing times. The uncertainty and instability faced by families with unpredictable income from work and benefits is now being exacerbated by the cost of living crisis which is predicted to have severe consequences for families already struggling to make ends meet. To address this growing crisis, action is required on a wide range of fronts. Families need: a state safety net that provides adequate and reliable financial support, at least rising with inflation; employment laws supporting access to secure, adequately paid employment, allowing people control over hours to fit in with family life; statutory sick pay paid from the first day of sickness, rather than the fourth; public services, including the benefits system, mental health and other GP services that are easier to access with better information and easier channels of communication; measures to help families achieve full digital access; greater efforts by policymakers to connect and engage with people like those in this study who can feel overlooked, with further action to ensure people's concerns are heard and addressed.
(Edited publisher abstract)
This report draws on a longitudinal study which followed a set of families on low incomes and their experiences of making ends meet over six years before and during the pandemic. It is based on interviews with parents in 13 families in November and December 2021, focusing on how families managed as the pandemic extended into a second year. It also considers the continuing implications and pressures of managing on a low income in a changing world as the pandemic eases (and state responses to mitigate the financial impact are rolled back), but the cost of living crisis emerges. The Covid crisis added another complication to the lives of those already dealing with multiple stressors. The post-pandemic world will bring ongoing and new challenges, as well as opportunities, in changing times. The uncertainty and instability faced by families with unpredictable income from work and benefits is now being exacerbated by the cost of living crisis which is predicted to have severe consequences for families already struggling to make ends meet. To address this growing crisis, action is required on a wide range of fronts. Families need: a state safety net that provides adequate and reliable financial support, at least rising with inflation; employment laws supporting access to secure, adequately paid employment, allowing people control over hours to fit in with family life; statutory sick pay paid from the first day of sickness, rather than the fourth; public services, including the benefits system, mental health and other GP services that are easier to access with better information and easier channels of communication; measures to help families achieve full digital access; greater efforts by policymakers to connect and engage with people like those in this study who can feel overlooked, with further action to ensure people's concerns are heard and addressed.
(Edited publisher abstract)
Subject terms:
families, low income, poverty, Covid-19, cost of living, employment;
This report explores the rates of poverty of Northern Ireland and assesses the impact that poverty is having on the lives of people who live in Northern Ireland. It also looks at how Northern Ireland’s rates of relative poverty compare with those elsewhere in the UK. With 1 in 14 households in food insecurity, the recent spike in energy prices, and wider inflation, as well as certain areas of Northern Ireland and groups such as people in workless families, disabled people, carers and people in ethnic minority households having much higher poverty rates, the report argues that people across Northern Ireland need the next Executive to go further. In particular, they should focus on: the adequacy of the social security system; investment in the housing market; take action to provide targeted employability support to people struggling most to secure well-paid jobs, not least disabled people and single parents; work with employers and the education and skills system to ensure that people are able to secure the skills that they need for the jobs of the future, not least the significant potential for jobs in transition to a low-carbon economy.
(Edited publisher abstract)
This report explores the rates of poverty of Northern Ireland and assesses the impact that poverty is having on the lives of people who live in Northern Ireland. It also looks at how Northern Ireland’s rates of relative poverty compare with those elsewhere in the UK. With 1 in 14 households in food insecurity, the recent spike in energy prices, and wider inflation, as well as certain areas of Northern Ireland and groups such as people in workless families, disabled people, carers and people in ethnic minority households having much higher poverty rates, the report argues that people across Northern Ireland need the next Executive to go further. In particular, they should focus on: the adequacy of the social security system; investment in the housing market; take action to provide targeted employability support to people struggling most to secure well-paid jobs, not least disabled people and single parents; work with employers and the education and skills system to ensure that people are able to secure the skills that they need for the jobs of the future, not least the significant potential for jobs in transition to a low-carbon economy.
(Edited publisher abstract)
Subject terms:
poverty, inequalities, social welfare, government policy, employment, housing, skills;
This is the first issue of our new-style UK Poverty report, which looks comprehensively at trends in poverty across all its characteristics and impacts. It provides evidence for trends in poverty in relation to overall poverty rates for children, working-age adults and pensioners; family composition, age and sex; depth and duration of poverty; geography and poverty; work and poverty; benefit receipt and poverty; housing and poverty; ethnicity and poverty; disability, carers, and poverty. On the upside, gross domestic product (GDP) is projected to recover to its pre-pandemic level by the start of 2022 and the rise in unemployment has been much smaller than the dire initial forecasts, and is projected by the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) to peak at less than 5.5% and to improve over its forecast period, thanks in part to measures brought in to support the labour market. But looking at who has been left behind, some patterns stick out: the £20 uplift to Universal Credit has now been withdrawn, offering no additional support to those who are not able to work or are looking for work; those on ‘legacy’ benefits (excluding Working Tax Credit) pre-dating Universal Credit received no increased support at all. There are also some elements of the benefits system that increase poverty, including: the two-child limit in income-related benefits; the benefit cap; the five-week wait for the first Universal Credit payment; unaffordable debt deductions from benefits; Local Housing Allowance rates (frozen since April 2020) again breaking the link between housing costs and benefits.
(Edited publisher abstract)
This is the first issue of our new-style UK Poverty report, which looks comprehensively at trends in poverty across all its characteristics and impacts. It provides evidence for trends in poverty in relation to overall poverty rates for children, working-age adults and pensioners; family composition, age and sex; depth and duration of poverty; geography and poverty; work and poverty; benefit receipt and poverty; housing and poverty; ethnicity and poverty; disability, carers, and poverty. On the upside, gross domestic product (GDP) is projected to recover to its pre-pandemic level by the start of 2022 and the rise in unemployment has been much smaller than the dire initial forecasts, and is projected by the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) to peak at less than 5.5% and to improve over its forecast period, thanks in part to measures brought in to support the labour market. But looking at who has been left behind, some patterns stick out: the £20 uplift to Universal Credit has now been withdrawn, offering no additional support to those who are not able to work or are looking for work; those on ‘legacy’ benefits (excluding Working Tax Credit) pre-dating Universal Credit received no increased support at all. There are also some elements of the benefits system that increase poverty, including: the two-child limit in income-related benefits; the benefit cap; the five-week wait for the first Universal Credit payment; unaffordable debt deductions from benefits; Local Housing Allowance rates (frozen since April 2020) again breaking the link between housing costs and benefits.
(Edited publisher abstract)
Subject terms:
poverty, government policy, employment, inequalities, welfare state, social welfare, benefits, housing, disabilities;
This briefing shows how the Scottish child poverty targets can be met, by combining efforts to unlock families from poverty on three fronts: improving the affordability of housing, getting people into better jobs and bolstering social security. The briefing argues that the next Scottish Government will have to increase spending on social security to meet the interim child poverty targets and improve adequacy of support for families and the Scottish Child Payment (SCP) will have to at least double to show a credible route to the interim targets. Increasing the number of hours that parents work and lifting their wages can have a significant impact on child poverty rates but given our proximity to the interim target date the changes needed to do so are unlikely to be achieved in time. Affordable, and particularly social, housing is effective in stopping people being pulled into poverty, and efforts to maintain and increase the supply of social housing are vital. Some families in Scotland are in poverty because of their housing costs. To loosen poverty’s grip, we need to increase access to social housing and reverse damaging impacts of UK social security rules like the benefit cap and two-child limit. The next Scottish Government’s choices will be vital in laying the foundations for meeting the 2030 targets, and we need to make fundamental changes in our society, particularly to our labour market, starting in the next Parliament. Without broader action now to promote good jobs and keep housing affordable, we will leave ourselves a big social security bill and leave too many people adrift in the meantime. Starting that action immediately would put us on a path to deliver a Scotland where the quality of life for all our people is improved and where the experience of poverty is the exception, rather than the experience it is for one million people right now.
(Edited publisher abstract)
This briefing shows how the Scottish child poverty targets can be met, by combining efforts to unlock families from poverty on three fronts: improving the affordability of housing, getting people into better jobs and bolstering social security. The briefing argues that the next Scottish Government will have to increase spending on social security to meet the interim child poverty targets and improve adequacy of support for families and the Scottish Child Payment (SCP) will have to at least double to show a credible route to the interim targets. Increasing the number of hours that parents work and lifting their wages can have a significant impact on child poverty rates but given our proximity to the interim target date the changes needed to do so are unlikely to be achieved in time. Affordable, and particularly social, housing is effective in stopping people being pulled into poverty, and efforts to maintain and increase the supply of social housing are vital. Some families in Scotland are in poverty because of their housing costs. To loosen poverty’s grip, we need to increase access to social housing and reverse damaging impacts of UK social security rules like the benefit cap and two-child limit. The next Scottish Government’s choices will be vital in laying the foundations for meeting the 2030 targets, and we need to make fundamental changes in our society, particularly to our labour market, starting in the next Parliament. Without broader action now to promote good jobs and keep housing affordable, we will leave ourselves a big social security bill and leave too many people adrift in the meantime. Starting that action immediately would put us on a path to deliver a Scotland where the quality of life for all our people is improved and where the experience of poverty is the exception, rather than the experience it is for one million people right now.
(Edited publisher abstract)
This report examines the scale and nature of destitution in the UK, updating similar studies undertaken in 2015 and 2017. It is based on in-depth case studies on destitution in 18 locations, including a user survey of 113 crisis services and in-depth interviews with 70 destitute respondents. The user survey was conducted in autumn 2019, and captured the scale of destitution in the UK before the COVID-19 pandemic hit the UK in early 2020. The qualitative interviews, undertaken in spring 2020, enabled in-depth exploration of the experiences of destitute households during the UK lockdown that started in March 2020. The report estimates that more than a million households were destitute in the UK at some point in 2019, with these households containing 2.4 million people, of whom 550,000 were children. There was a significant increase in the number of destitute households over the two-and-half years between the 2017 and 2019 surveys. There were also signs of a growing intensity of destitution for some, with more households experiencing both multiple deprivation of essentials and a very low income, and more households with zero income or less than £70 a week. Chapters cover: the scale and distribution of destitution in the UK in 2019; the impact of the COVID-19 crisis on UK nationals with experience of destitution; the impact of the COVID-19 crisis on migrants with experience of destitution; and the impact of the COVID-19 crisis on people with ‘complex needs’ with experience of destitution.
(Edited publisher abstract)
This report examines the scale and nature of destitution in the UK, updating similar studies undertaken in 2015 and 2017. It is based on in-depth case studies on destitution in 18 locations, including a user survey of 113 crisis services and in-depth interviews with 70 destitute respondents. The user survey was conducted in autumn 2019, and captured the scale of destitution in the UK before the COVID-19 pandemic hit the UK in early 2020. The qualitative interviews, undertaken in spring 2020, enabled in-depth exploration of the experiences of destitute households during the UK lockdown that started in March 2020. The report estimates that more than a million households were destitute in the UK at some point in 2019, with these households containing 2.4 million people, of whom 550,000 were children. There was a significant increase in the number of destitute households over the two-and-half years between the 2017 and 2019 surveys. There were also signs of a growing intensity of destitution for some, with more households experiencing both multiple deprivation of essentials and a very low income, and more households with zero income or less than £70 a week. Chapters cover: the scale and distribution of destitution in the UK in 2019; the impact of the COVID-19 crisis on UK nationals with experience of destitution; the impact of the COVID-19 crisis on migrants with experience of destitution; and the impact of the COVID-19 crisis on people with ‘complex needs’ with experience of destitution.
(Edited publisher abstract)
Annual report examining the nature and scale of UK poverty and how UK poverty rates have changed over the last few years, as well as over the longer term. The research provides a comprehensive analysis of poverty trends and figures and the impact of poverty, focusing particularly on poverty among children, working-age adults, and pensioners. It provides an overview of how poverty is linked to disability and ethnicity and also examines the ways that housing market changes have affected low-income families and pensioners. It also considers how poverty restricts people's day-to-day lives and prospects, such as physical and mental health, healthy life and expectancy, and the links between destitution and debt, health and wellbeing. Key findings from the research show that child poverty has been rising since 2011/12 and that there are now 4.1 million children are living in poverty. In addition, four million workers are living in poverty, with increasing numbers of working parents living in poverty. The report highlights the importance of taking action to halt the rise in poverty among workers and their families, as well as among children in workless families. It also identifies strategies which have been shown to reduce poverty, such as improving access to better-paid work, enabling more families to live in low-cost rented homes and strengthening support through the social security system.
(Edited publisher abstract)
Annual report examining the nature and scale of UK poverty and how UK poverty rates have changed over the last few years, as well as over the longer term. The research provides a comprehensive analysis of poverty trends and figures and the impact of poverty, focusing particularly on poverty among children, working-age adults, and pensioners. It provides an overview of how poverty is linked to disability and ethnicity and also examines the ways that housing market changes have affected low-income families and pensioners. It also considers how poverty restricts people's day-to-day lives and prospects, such as physical and mental health, healthy life and expectancy, and the links between destitution and debt, health and wellbeing. Key findings from the research show that child poverty has been rising since 2011/12 and that there are now 4.1 million children are living in poverty. In addition, four million workers are living in poverty, with increasing numbers of working parents living in poverty. The report highlights the importance of taking action to halt the rise in poverty among workers and their families, as well as among children in workless families. It also identifies strategies which have been shown to reduce poverty, such as improving access to better-paid work, enabling more families to live in low-cost rented homes and strengthening support through the social security system.
(Edited publisher abstract)
Drawing on data from in-depth interviews with 15 lone-mothers and their children, this research looks at what it means for families to have a lone-mother who is employed, managing work and family life, often on a low income, for long periods of time. For the study, families were interviewed four times over a period of 14 to 15 years. The report focuses on: the experiences of lone mothers trying to sustain work over time; the importance of family relationships in enabling and supporting lone mothers in work; the experience of children in helping their mothers to manage; the transitions for young people when moving away from the parental home and into work; young people’s relationships over time; the importance of state support for the mothers; and the difficulties in finding security over time. Findings from the study highlight the importance of close relationships for families trying to manage work and care; the difficulties for families of developing any security, with low levels of pay making it hard to build up resources; and the additional pressures long term poverty placed on relationships.
(Edited publisher abstract)
Drawing on data from in-depth interviews with 15 lone-mothers and their children, this research looks at what it means for families to have a lone-mother who is employed, managing work and family life, often on a low income, for long periods of time. For the study, families were interviewed four times over a period of 14 to 15 years. The report focuses on: the experiences of lone mothers trying to sustain work over time; the importance of family relationships in enabling and supporting lone mothers in work; the experience of children in helping their mothers to manage; the transitions for young people when moving away from the parental home and into work; young people’s relationships over time; the importance of state support for the mothers; and the difficulties in finding security over time. Findings from the study highlight the importance of close relationships for families trying to manage work and care; the difficulties for families of developing any security, with low levels of pay making it hard to build up resources; and the additional pressures long term poverty placed on relationships.
(Edited publisher abstract)
Subject terms:
single parent families, mothers, low income, family relations, user views, children, employment, benefits, parent-child relations, poverty, young people, social transitions;
This briefing looks at the implementation of Universal Credit across the UK and provides recommendations on how the system could be improved. The report generally welcomes the introduction of Universal Credit, which brings together six separate benefits into one integrated payment, but highlights three priorities for action to ensure that Universal Credit is successful in reducing poverty. These are: a reduction in waiting times for Universal Credit, increasing the child element of Universal Credit so it is not limited to the first two children only, and for Universal Credit to provide employment support to help people into work.
(Edited publisher abstract)
This briefing looks at the implementation of Universal Credit across the UK and provides recommendations on how the system could be improved. The report generally welcomes the introduction of Universal Credit, which brings together six separate benefits into one integrated payment, but highlights three priorities for action to ensure that Universal Credit is successful in reducing poverty. These are: a reduction in waiting times for Universal Credit, increasing the child element of Universal Credit so it is not limited to the first two children only, and for Universal Credit to provide employment support to help people into work.
(Edited publisher abstract)
Subject terms:
benefits, families, poverty, government policy, employment;
Annual State of the Nation report, commissioned by the JosephRowntreeFoundation and carried out by the New Policy Institute, which brings together official data to present a comprehensive picture of poverty and social exclusion in the United Kingdom. The report focuses on five main themes: income, housing, life chances, which looks at the prospects of children and young people; social security
(Edited publisher abstract)
Annual State of the Nation report, commissioned by the JosephRowntreeFoundation and carried out by the New Policy Institute, which brings together official data to present a comprehensive picture of poverty and social exclusion in the United Kingdom. The report focuses on five main themes: income, housing, life chances, which looks at the prospects of children and young people; social security, work and worklessness. It finds that on many indicators, the UK economy has now recovered from the financial crisis and prolonged period of stagnation. However, it reports that in 2014/15, there were 13.5 million people living in low-income households, 21 per cent of the UK population. This proportion has barely changed since 2002/03. Areas of concern identified in the report include a close association between disability and poverty, with a high concentration of poverty among families with a disabled member; real risks of poverty for the increasing number of people housed in the private rented sector; and a continuing rise in poverty among those who are in employment
(Edited publisher abstract)
Sets out a long-term strategy to solve poverty in the UK, aligning greater corporate responsibility with an active, enabling state, promoting individual and community capacity and capability. The report suggests that in the UK today there are five key causes that need priority action: unemployment, low wages and insecure jobs; lack of skills; family problems; an inadequate benefits system; and high costs. These result from an overlapping and shifting series of influences that include market opportunities, state support and individual decisions. The report sets out a five-point plan to solve poverty in the UK, aimed at: boosting incomes and reduce costs; delivering an effective benefit system; improving education standards and raise skills; strengthening families and communities; and promoting long-term economic growth benefiting everyone. Key recommendations for national and local governments include: a rebalanced economy with better jobs; supporting people into work and to get on at work; social security that is effective and makes work pay; supporting families; supporting people in later life; access to secure and affordable homes; and enabling local and community action. In addition, the report makes a number of specific recommendations for businesses, employers and providers of essential goods and services, service providers and housing providers, investors and philanthropists, and citizens and communities.
(Edited publisher abstract)
Sets out a long-term strategy to solve poverty in the UK, aligning greater corporate responsibility with an active, enabling state, promoting individual and community capacity and capability. The report suggests that in the UK today there are five key causes that need priority action: unemployment, low wages and insecure jobs; lack of skills; family problems; an inadequate benefits system; and high costs. These result from an overlapping and shifting series of influences that include market opportunities, state support and individual decisions. The report sets out a five-point plan to solve poverty in the UK, aimed at: boosting incomes and reduce costs; delivering an effective benefit system; improving education standards and raise skills; strengthening families and communities; and promoting long-term economic growth benefiting everyone. Key recommendations for national and local governments include: a rebalanced economy with better jobs; supporting people into work and to get on at work; social security that is effective and makes work pay; supporting families; supporting people in later life; access to secure and affordable homes; and enabling local and community action. In addition, the report makes a number of specific recommendations for businesses, employers and providers of essential goods and services, service providers and housing providers, investors and philanthropists, and citizens and communities.
(Edited publisher abstract)
Subject terms:
poverty, social exclusion, employment, housing, capacity building, welfare state;