Turn2us responds to JRF report: poverty hasn’t just spread, it has hardened

Lucy Bannister, Head of Policy and Influencing at Turn2us says:

"The JRF poverty report is a warning. Poverty in the UK has 'hardened', not eased, because the systems people rely on are no longer keeping pace with the cost of living.

"For millions, it feels like the economy simply isn’t working for them. Nearly half of the 14 million people in poverty are now living in very deep poverty, on incomes so low they cannot reliably afford the essentials, like food and heating.

"Across the country, households in poverty are being overlooked. So many of us are struggling with rising costs, insecure work, poor health or caring responsibilities. We need a social security system that supports us and protects us from crisis when we face tough times.

"Removing the two-child limit will make a huge difference for the families it affects, but without further action deep poverty risks becoming the new normal. Our social security system should be there for all of us when we need it.”