Over 1 million children experienced destitution last year
A study by Joseph Rowntree Foundation has found that more than 1 million children in the UK experienced destitution last year, meaning their families could not afford to feed, clothe, or clean them.
Destitution is defined as the inability to meet basic physical needs to stay warm, dry, clean and fed, either because of a lack of clothing, heating, shelter or food, or because household income falls below a minimum level after housing costs.
The study also found that severe material difficulties were “no longer a rare occurrence” as rates of destitution have increased by more than double in the last five years consequent to the cost of living crisis and benefit cuts.
Approximately 1.8 million UK households (containing 3.8 million people) were destitute at some point in 2022, half of which tried to get by on less than £85 a week after housing costs, and a quarter had reported no living costs at all.
Joseph Rowntree Foundation’s chief executive, Paul Kissack, said: “Turning the tide on destitution is an urgent moral mission, which speaks to our basic humanity as a country, and we need political leadership for that mission.”.
The study also found that:
The number of people experiencing destitution in the UK increased by 61% since the last survey in 2019, and 148% since 2017.
UK nationals made up 72% of the population experiencing destitution, but those who migrated to the UK were over-represented among those experiencing it.
The rate of destitution among black-led households was three times their population share.
62% of survey respondents reported having a chronic health issue or disability.
London had the highest levels of destitution in 2022, followed by the North East and North West.
Sources:
https://www.theguardian.com/society/2023/oct/24/more-than-1-million-uk-children-experienced-destitution-last-year-study-finds
https://www.jrf.org.uk/report/destitution-uk-2023