Record number of people in UK live in ‘very deep poverty’, analysis shows

A recent analysis by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF) reveals a record number of approximately 6.8 million people in the UK are living in "very deep poverty" as of 2023-24. This means their household incomes are significantly below the poverty line, failing to cover essential costs like food, energy, and clothing. While overall poverty rates have remained relatively stable, the depth of poverty has worsened, with those in very deep poverty experiencing an average income 59% below the poverty threshold. The JRF also notes that about 3.8 million people experienced destitution, an even more extreme form of poverty. The JRF criticized the lack of progress in reducing poverty between 2010-2024 and welcomed Labour's child poverty strategy but urged for a broader approach to address hardship beyond child poverty.