UK Child Poverty Rises

In the United Ki­­ngdom, the dual challenges of the cost-of-living crisis and child poverty have cast a shadow over the lives of many families, painting a grim picture of economic hardship and social inequality. As the cost of essentials continues to rise, families are finding it increasingly difficult to make ends meet, with children bearing the brunt of these harsh economic realities.

Rising prices of food, housing, energy and transportation have put immense pressure on households, forcing many to cut back on essentials or rely on credit to meet their basic needs. This financial strain not only affects adults but also has a profound impact on children, who are more vulnerable to the consequences of poverty.  Whilst the turmoil of world wide events have been causing issues, there currently does seem to some stability returning to energy and food prices.  

Child poverty in the UK remains a pressing issue, with a significant number of children living in households struggling to afford adequate food, clothing, and shelter. According to recent statistics, millions of children in the UK are growing up in poverty, facing barriers to education, healthcare, and opportunities for a better future.  In 2023, there were around 4.3 million children living in poverty in the UK. This up by 100,000 from the previous year and means that one in three children in the UK live below the poverty line. 

Investing in early childhood education, healthcare, and social services is crucial to breaking the cycle of poverty and ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive. By prioritizing the well-being of children and families, we can create a more equitable society where all individuals have the chance to reach their full potential.

The cycle of poverty often perpetuates across generations, trapping families in a cycle of deprivation and limited prospects.  Ongoing issue of child poverty in the country, emphasizing the challenges faced by a significant number of children and families in meeting their basic needs.  According to a report by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, the Minimum Income Standard (MIS) is used as a benchmark to measure the minimum income needed for an acceptable standard of living. In September 2021, the MIS for a single person living in the UK was estimated to be around £70 to £80 per week for food and non-alcoholic drinks.

For a family living in poverty, this amount would be higher depending on the number of individuals in the household. On average, it is recommended that around 10-20% of a household’s budget should be allocated to food. Therefore, for a family of four living in poverty, the daily food budget per person could range from £5 to £10 per day.

UK child poverty represents an urgent humanitarian challenge that require immediate attention and concerted action. By raising awareness, advocating for change, and mobilizing resources to support vulnerable families, we can build a brighter future for our children and create a more just and inclusive society for all.

During April two of our trustees will be trying to live off £10 per day for food, equating to just £5.00 each.  They must try and eat three meals per day and the meals must be as healthy as possible.  If you would like to follow their efforts either catch up on their blog ‘the fiver survivor’ or go to our You Tube Channel to follow their efforts.   If can always sponsors their efforts by donating via our Go Fund Me page.  Every penny raised goes to helping financially challenged children in the towns of Crawley, East Grinstead and Horley and the surrounding areas.