More than a million children in Britain in severe poverty More than a million children in Britain in severe poverty

More than a million children in Britain live in extreme poverty, according to a study. The number has almost tripled between 2017 and 2022, the charity Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF) said on Tuesday.

A total of 3.8 million people lived in appalling conditions. Anyone who is unable to meet the most basic physical needs of staying warm, dry, clean and nourished is considered destitute.

The reason for the significant increase is a combination of very low incomes, rising costs of living and high debt, the report said. Moreover, the social system does not protect people: only almost three-quarters of people in need (72 percent) receive help. More than half of affected households have a weekly income of less than 85 pounds (about 93 francs). Single people between the ages of 25 and 44 are particularly in need, but more and more families and the elderly are also falling into extreme poverty.

Criticism of the conservative government

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

The government announced that it would invest a lot of money in social support, job creation measures and free childcare. Aid organizations hope for an increase in social benefits in line with inflation. (sda/dpa)