EDM: Trends in the level of poverty

Trends in the level of poverty

Tabled by Mary Kelly Foy (Labour) 22 signatures

The motion

That this House notes the publication of the latest poverty report by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation; further notes that, in 2023-24, around 14.2 million people, or 21 per cent of the population, were living in poverty; expresses deep concern that 6.8 million people were living in very deep poverty in 2023-24, representing almost half of all those in poverty and the highest level on record going back to 1994-95; also notes that child poverty has risen for a third consecutive year, with millions of children growing up in households experiencing sustained hardship; is alarmed by rising levels of food insecurity and the inability of many families to afford essentials; recognises that disabled people, lone parents, renters and larger families are disproportionately affected; believes that persistent and deepening poverty undermines economic growth, public health and life chances; and calls on the Government to bring forward a comprehensive, cross-departmental strategy to reduce poverty, tackle deep poverty in particular, and ensure that social security, housing and employment policies work together to provide genuine financial security for all.

Signatories (22)