05/04/2013
Third Of NI Households Deprived
One third of households in Northern Ireland are deprived, according to a recent study by Queen’s University Belfast.
Researchers at the university have conducted the largest study of poverty and deprivation to date in the UK.
It found one third of households in Northern Ireland do not have what are considered to be the basic necessities.
Those affected lack three or more of 22 necessities, covering food, clothing, housing and social activities.
Within those households, the research found over 115,000 adults and children (6.4% of the population) are not properly fed.
The study has revealed the proportion of families unable to heat their homes is at an all time high of 13%.
This figure a decade ago was 3%.
The study also found 29% of people have 'sometimes' or 'often' skimped on food so that others in the household would have enough to eat.
30% of families cannot afford one week's annual holiday away from home for their children.
6% of families cannot afford to have a computer and internet access for children to do their homework.
7% of households are unable to afford fresh fruit and vegetables every day
43% of households could not afford to pay for an unexpected, but necessary bill of £500.
28% cannot afford to make regular payments into an occupational or private pension.
13% of households cannot afford to keep their home adequately warm.
Professor Mike Tomlinson, School of Sociology, Social Policy and Social Work at Queen's said: "These findings present a bleak portrait of contemporary life for the bottom third of households in Northern Ireland. This situation, serious as it is, is set to get worse as benefit levels fall in real terms, as real wages continue a three-year decline and living standards are further squeezed. The decline in living standards poses an enormous challenge to the Northern Ireland Executive and its programme Delivering Social Change."
(IT/CD)
Researchers at the university have conducted the largest study of poverty and deprivation to date in the UK.
It found one third of households in Northern Ireland do not have what are considered to be the basic necessities.
Those affected lack three or more of 22 necessities, covering food, clothing, housing and social activities.
Within those households, the research found over 115,000 adults and children (6.4% of the population) are not properly fed.
The study has revealed the proportion of families unable to heat their homes is at an all time high of 13%.
This figure a decade ago was 3%.
The study also found 29% of people have 'sometimes' or 'often' skimped on food so that others in the household would have enough to eat.
30% of families cannot afford one week's annual holiday away from home for their children.
6% of families cannot afford to have a computer and internet access for children to do their homework.
7% of households are unable to afford fresh fruit and vegetables every day
43% of households could not afford to pay for an unexpected, but necessary bill of £500.
28% cannot afford to make regular payments into an occupational or private pension.
13% of households cannot afford to keep their home adequately warm.
Professor Mike Tomlinson, School of Sociology, Social Policy and Social Work at Queen's said: "These findings present a bleak portrait of contemporary life for the bottom third of households in Northern Ireland. This situation, serious as it is, is set to get worse as benefit levels fall in real terms, as real wages continue a three-year decline and living standards are further squeezed. The decline in living standards poses an enormous challenge to the Northern Ireland Executive and its programme Delivering Social Change."
(IT/CD)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
04 November 2005
Report finds women still earning less than men
Women in Northern Ireland continue to receive less income than men, although the difference is narrowing, a new report has claimed.
Report finds women still earning less than men
Women in Northern Ireland continue to receive less income than men, although the difference is narrowing, a new report has claimed.
06 April 2023
DUP Calls For Review Of Barnett Formula
The DUP has called for a review of the Barnett Formula used for setting Northern Ireland's spending, as East Belfast MP Gavin Robinson cautioned NIO Minister Steve Baker against "misleading the Northern Ireland public over how their public services are financed".
DUP Calls For Review Of Barnett Formula
The DUP has called for a review of the Barnett Formula used for setting Northern Ireland's spending, as East Belfast MP Gavin Robinson cautioned NIO Minister Steve Baker against "misleading the Northern Ireland public over how their public services are financed".
02 June 2005
Hanson underlines commitment to beating fuel poverty
Social Development Minister David Hanson has set up an advisory group to help in the battle against fuel poverty. The 19-strong Northern Ireland Fuel Poverty Advisory Group, chaired by John McMullan of the Bryson House charity, held its first meeting today. Its members represent groups who have hands on experience of dealing with fuel poverty.
Hanson underlines commitment to beating fuel poverty
Social Development Minister David Hanson has set up an advisory group to help in the battle against fuel poverty. The 19-strong Northern Ireland Fuel Poverty Advisory Group, chaired by John McMullan of the Bryson House charity, held its first meeting today. Its members represent groups who have hands on experience of dealing with fuel poverty.
16 July 2025
SDLP Calls For Confidence As A5 Appeal Deadline Looms
With the deadline to appeal the High Court ruling on the A5 Western Transport Corridor fast approaching, SDLP West Tyrone MLA Daniel McCrossan has highlighted growing concerns over whether the Department for Infrastructure is prepared to take decisive action.
SDLP Calls For Confidence As A5 Appeal Deadline Looms
With the deadline to appeal the High Court ruling on the A5 Western Transport Corridor fast approaching, SDLP West Tyrone MLA Daniel McCrossan has highlighted growing concerns over whether the Department for Infrastructure is prepared to take decisive action.
12 May 2010
Legal Aid Bill To Be Slashed, Says Ford
Barristers involved in legal aid work in NI have been told they must be more realistic about their fees. The cost is around 20% more expensive per head of population than in England and Wales. The new Justice Minister David Ford has said he will go ahead with plans to cut millions of pounds from the legal aid.
Legal Aid Bill To Be Slashed, Says Ford
Barristers involved in legal aid work in NI have been told they must be more realistic about their fees. The cost is around 20% more expensive per head of population than in England and Wales. The new Justice Minister David Ford has said he will go ahead with plans to cut millions of pounds from the legal aid.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.