4.8m could fall into destitution

NEARLY 4.8million adults could be left in extreme poverty due to the pandemic, a report warns.

Households plunged into destitution could soar by 250% – with those living alone most at risk, according to the National Institute of Economic and Social Research.

Those already struggling were hit hardest by a sudden loss of income.

The Midlands has had the biggest increase in households struggling to keep a roof over their heads and pay for food, heading and other basics.

Elena Lisauskaite of the NIESR said: “The government must also continue to provide enhanced welfare support to the vulnerable.”