A record number of people in the UK are living in severe hardship, with nearly seven million individuals unable to afford basic necessities, according to a report by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation. The charity’s analysis reveals that over 14.2 million people, or more than one in five, were living in poverty in 2023/24, with approximately 6.8 million experiencing “very deep” hardship, the highest number in 30 years.
The report highlights that children, renters, disabled people, and those in insecure work are among the most affected groups. Nearly 4.5 million children lived in poverty in 2023/24, a significant increase of 600,000 from the pandemic period. The rates of poverty were highest in larger families, where 44% of children were affected. People renting privately faced greater risks than homeowners, while disabled people and informal carers were also disproportionately affected.
The most severe cases of poverty are particularly concerning, with approximately 3.8 million people, including around one million children, experiencing destitution and unable to afford basic essentials such as heating, clothing, and food. The charity’s chief analyst, Peter Matejic, notes that the welfare system is failing to protect people from harm, with nearly half of those in poverty living far below the poverty line.
The report also reveals that poverty rates vary across the UK, with London and the West Midlands among the hardest-hit areas. Rising living costs and stagnant wages have contributed to the increase in severe poverty, with inflation for essentials such as food, energy, and rent surging in recent years, while earnings for low-income households have barely increased.
The latest data from independent research consultancy Retail Economics suggests that the poorest UK households have only become poorer under the current government, despite promises to boost living standards. The Joseph Rowntree Foundation’s report emphasizes the need for urgent action to address the deepening poverty crisis in the UK, with a focus on supporting vulnerable groups and ensuring that the welfare system provides adequate protection for those in need.
