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People in Relative Poverty in the UK

Approximately 14.3 million people in the UK live in relative poverty — defined as having a household income below 60% of the median — according to DWP Households Below Average Income (HBAI) statistics. This represents approximately 22% of the population. Of these, approximately 4.3 million are children, 8.1 million are working-age adults, and 1.9 million are pensioners.

Child poverty is a particular focus of policy concern. The UK child poverty rate of approximately 29% (after housing costs) means approximately 4.3 million children are growing up in poverty. The Joseph Rowntree Foundation's annual UK Poverty report has highlighted the role of the two-child benefit limit, the benefit cap and inadequate housing benefit in driving child poverty.

In-work poverty — where people in employment still have insufficient income — affects approximately 8 million people, accounting for the majority of working-age poverty. Rising housing costs, stagnant wages in lower-paid sectors and insufficient hours are key drivers. The expansion of low-paid, insecure work through zero-hours contracts and gig economy employment has contributed to the growth of in-work poverty.

Food bank usage has reached record levels as an indicator of acute financial hardship. The Trussell Trust distributed over 3 million food parcels in 2023/24, with approximately 60% going to households with children. Food bank use has increased approximately 2,500% since 2010, driven by benefit delays, inadequate benefit levels and the cost of living crisis.

Destitution — the most severe form of poverty, where people cannot afford the basics of food, shelter and clothing — affects approximately 3.8 million people in the UK including approximately 1 million children, according to JRF research. Destitution has increased sharply since 2019, driven by benefit system inadequacies and the cost of living crisis.

Source: DWP Households Below Average Income / Joseph Rowntree Foundation · Data year: 2023/24 · All figures are statistical estimates calculated from official annual publications

How many people live in poverty in the UK?

Approximately 14.3 million people in the UK live in relative poverty (below 60% of median income) according to DWP Households Below Average Income statistics — approximately 22% of the population. This includes approximately 4.3 million children, 8.1 million working-age adults and 1.9 million pensioners. Approximately 3.8 million people experience destitution — the most severe form of poverty.

What is the child poverty rate in the UK?

Approximately 4.3 million children in the UK live in poverty — approximately 29% of all children, measured after housing costs. Child poverty has been rising and is projected to increase further. The Joseph Rowntree Foundation links the rise to the two-child benefit limit, the benefit cap and rising housing costs. The Trussell Trust distributed over 3 million food parcels in 2023/24 with approximately 60% going to households with children.

What is in-work poverty?

In-work poverty refers to people who are employed but whose household income is still below the poverty line (60% of median income). Approximately 8 million people in the UK experience in-work poverty — the majority of working-age poor. It is driven by low wages, part-time and insecure work, high housing costs and insufficient benefits for working families. In-work poverty has grown significantly alongside the expansion of low-paid and gig economy work.