Menu
30/03/2004
Government hails progress on child poverty targets
Up to 700,000 children have been lifted out of relative income poverty since Labour came to power, according to government statistics released today.
The Households Below Average Income (HBAI) 2002/03 figures also revealed that 200,000 more children had escaped income poverty in the past year.
Work and Pensions Secretary Andrew Smith said today that the figures showed that the government was "determined to win the war on poverty".
He said: "By getting parents into jobs, and then making sure that work pays - through tax credits and the minimum wage - we've put ourselves firmly on track to hit our target of cutting the number of poor children by one quarter by 2004/5."
Mr Smith added: "The count of the very poorest children - who are in absolute poverty - has fallen even faster, and has now been halved since 1997. That's 2.1 million fewer children growing up with their opportunities undermined by acute financial hardship.
"Using the same measure for pensioners, today's figures also show excellent progress, with poverty now down by two-thirds on 1997. That means enhanced dignity and security for 1.8 million people during their retirement."
Mr Smith also pointed to the New Tax Credits and the Pension Credit which it is hoped will bring "important new gains" for poorer families and pensioners.
The 'absolute low-income threshold' is below 60% of median household income as of 1996/97, uprated by prices. The 'relative low-income threshold' is 60% of contemporary median household income.
(gmcg)
The Households Below Average Income (HBAI) 2002/03 figures also revealed that 200,000 more children had escaped income poverty in the past year.
Work and Pensions Secretary Andrew Smith said today that the figures showed that the government was "determined to win the war on poverty".
He said: "By getting parents into jobs, and then making sure that work pays - through tax credits and the minimum wage - we've put ourselves firmly on track to hit our target of cutting the number of poor children by one quarter by 2004/5."
Mr Smith added: "The count of the very poorest children - who are in absolute poverty - has fallen even faster, and has now been halved since 1997. That's 2.1 million fewer children growing up with their opportunities undermined by acute financial hardship.
"Using the same measure for pensioners, today's figures also show excellent progress, with poverty now down by two-thirds on 1997. That means enhanced dignity and security for 1.8 million people during their retirement."
Mr Smith also pointed to the New Tax Credits and the Pension Credit which it is hoped will bring "important new gains" for poorer families and pensioners.
The 'absolute low-income threshold' is below 60% of median household income as of 1996/97, uprated by prices. The 'relative low-income threshold' is 60% of contemporary median household income.
(gmcg)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
11 February 2004
Child poverty group calls for plans to revise figures to be dropped
A children's campaign group has claimed that the government is planning to introduce an accounting method which could see up to one million children in poverty wiped off official statistics. The group, End Child Poverty, issued its call as Secretary of State Andrew Smith appears before a Commons Work and Pensions select committee today.
Child poverty group calls for plans to revise figures to be dropped
A children's campaign group has claimed that the government is planning to introduce an accounting method which could see up to one million children in poverty wiped off official statistics. The group, End Child Poverty, issued its call as Secretary of State Andrew Smith appears before a Commons Work and Pensions select committee today.
13 June 2013
One In Six UK Children Living In Poverty
New figures released by the Department for Work and Pensions reveal that one in six children are living in poverty. 2.3 million, or 17%, of Uk children were recorded as "living in homes with substantially lower than average income" in 2011-2012. A figure that rises to 3.5 million, or 27%, when housing costs are deducted from incomes.
One In Six UK Children Living In Poverty
New figures released by the Department for Work and Pensions reveal that one in six children are living in poverty. 2.3 million, or 17%, of Uk children were recorded as "living in homes with substantially lower than average income" in 2011-2012. A figure that rises to 3.5 million, or 27%, when housing costs are deducted from incomes.
15 November 2012
Factors Used To Measure Child Poverty To Expand
Factors used to measure child poverty could change to include family breakdown, drug addiction, debt and education results, ministers say. While recent figures showed fewer children in poverty, this was largely because falling wages have narrowed the gap between the poorest and average earners.
Factors Used To Measure Child Poverty To Expand
Factors used to measure child poverty could change to include family breakdown, drug addiction, debt and education results, ministers say. While recent figures showed fewer children in poverty, this was largely because falling wages have narrowed the gap between the poorest and average earners.
19 June 2007
More than a million children affected by 'severe poverty'
Nearly 1.3 million children are living in severe poverty in the UK, a report by Save the Children has revealed. The charity said that around one in ten children in the UK are now living in families where the income is so low that children are living without essentials like a proper diet or heating in the home.
More than a million children affected by 'severe poverty'
Nearly 1.3 million children are living in severe poverty in the UK, a report by Save the Children has revealed. The charity said that around one in ten children in the UK are now living in families where the income is so low that children are living without essentials like a proper diet or heating in the home.
03 February 2005
Mandela addresses anti-poverty rally in London
Former South African president, Nelson Mandela, has told the crowds at an anti-poverty rally in London that the fight against poverty was as important as the fight against slavery.
Mandela addresses anti-poverty rally in London
Former South African president, Nelson Mandela, has told the crowds at an anti-poverty rally in London that the fight against poverty was as important as the fight against slavery.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Cloudy start and the chance of the odd evening shower. Soon becoming dry with prolonged clear spells allowing fog patches to develop in places. Cloud increases in the early hours with patchy rain northwest towards morning. Minimum temperature 3 °C.
