Child Poverty in the UK
Between the late 1970s and mid-1990s, child poverty doubled in the UK, resulting in the country having one of the highest poverty rates in the industrialised world. In 1999, the Government pledged to eradicate child poverty in a generation and started the process that culminated with the Child Poverty Act 2010.
The poverty line is measured at below 60% of median disposable family income, before housing costs. The actual amount varies according to family type and size. In 2008/9 the 60% threshold was worth £288 per week for a couple with two dependent children under 14.
In 2008/09, there were 2.8 million children living in UK households with income below the poverty line. If we factor in housing costs, the figure rises to 3.9 million. A new UNICEF report on child inequality in 24 developed countries has also shown higher levels of inequality and income poverty in the UK compared to similar countries, such as France and Germany.
Effects of Poverty on children
There is a strong correlation between poverty and outcomes for children and young people. Children from deprived and disadvantaged backgrounds are more likely to underachieve academically, suffer poor health, become socially excluded and have worse employment prospects than the rest of children.