Campaigners urge action over ‘shocking’ child poverty figures

CAMPAIGN groups have attacked “truly shocking” new figures showing four million children are affected by poverty.

The Children’s Society said the situation was “clearly getting worse”, estimating that almost a third of children were now living in poverty.

The Government said official statistics showed that the percentage of children living in absolute low income was at a historic low.

Ministers said household incomes have risen to a record high, and the gap between the richest and poorest was lower than in 2010.

The average household takes home a record £481 a week, £300 a year more than in 2014/15, said the Government.

Work and Pensions Secretary Damian Green said: “It’s good news that household incomes are at a record high and it shows we have a strong economy. But we know there is more to do.

“I’m committed to tackling disadvantage and these figures confirm that work is the best route out of poverty.”

Matthew Reed, chief executive of the Children’s Society, said: “Any child living in poverty is one too many, but it is truly shocking that four million children are now affected by poverty.”

Alison Garnham, chief executive of Child Poverty Action Group, said: “The Prime Minister spoke about injustice on entering Downing Street but there is no greater burning injustice than children being forced into poverty as a result of Government policy.”

Justin Watson of Oxfam, said: “It’s deeply worrying that while the economy grows, so many people are being left behind in poverty.”

A Department for Work and Pensions spokesman said: “These figures confirm that work is the best route out of poverty, so it represents significant progress that the number of children living in a workless household is down by 590,000 since 2010.

“One child living in poverty is one too many and we remain committed to tackling the root causes of disadvantage.”