The Joseph Rowntree Foundation has published an insightful set of resources setting out the changing picture of poverty in the UK.
Their analysis covers the meaning of the term poverty; how poverty can be measured; what the causes of poverty are and the consequences. They have introduced a term ‘Minimum Income Standard’ to recognise the level of income sufficient to afford a minimum acceptable standard of living, according to the general public.
Poverty disproportionately affects some groups including young people. We endorse the JRF conclusion that we need a concerted effort by all – employers and businesses, private and social landlords, local and national policy-makers, the media, and all citizens and communities, including people in poverty themselves – if we want the UK to be free from poverty.