IFA Forecasts Increase In UK Child Poverty

The Institute For Fiscal Studies has forecast the number of children living in ‘absolute poverty’, a relative measure defined as a household income below 60% of the median value, will rise 600,000 to 3.1 million by 2013. The report also forecasts that median incomes will fall by 7% over the same period, representing the largest decline for 35 years.

Co-author of the report, James Browne, cautioned that the Government’s 2020 child poverty targets would not be achieved with the current trends, even if it was to invest heavily in tackling the issue.

The Institute For Fiscal Studies has forecast the number of children living in ‘absolute poverty’, a relative measure defined as a household income below 60% of the median value, will rise 600,000 to 3.1 million by 2013. The report also forecasts that median incomes will fall by 7% over the same period, representing the largest decline for 35 years.

Co-author of the report, James Browne, cautioned that the Government’s 2020 child poverty targets would not be achieved with the current trends, even if it was to invest heavily in tackling the issue.

Barnardo’s Chief Executive, Anne MarieCarrie, also commented on the figures saying “This isn't just about statistics as every day thousands of families are being forced into making choices between heating or eating.”

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