
There are now 4.45 million children living in poverty, a with a rise of 100,000 on the previous year.
Overall, 31 per cent of children in the UK are living in poverty.
The figures are from the Households Below Average Income statistics 2023-24 published by the Department for Work and Pensions.
The Government defines poverty as a household of relative low income after housing costs are deducted.
The definition – which is measured both before and after housing costs – refers to people living in households with income below 60 per cent of the country's median average figure.
The figures also show that the majority of poor families are working families, with nearly three-quarters (72 per cent) of poor children are living in working families.
Register now to continue reading
Thank you for visiting Nursery World and making use of our archive of more than 35,000 expert features, subject guides, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:
What's included
-
Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month
-
Unlimited access to news and opinion
-
Email newsletter providing activity ideas, best practice and breaking news
Already have an account? Sign in here