New warning over child poverty

A new warning has been issued to the government over the issue of child poverty, despite a fall in the number of children in such a situation.

End Child Poverty spokesperson Imran Hussain said the news – and an imminent consultation on how child poverty should be measured in the future – should not cause the coalition to take its eye off the ball.

He remarked: "There have been major reductions in both absolute and child poverty since 1999 and it is essential that the coalition can assure British children they are not about to move the goal posts."

Child poverty is measured in relation to average income, with those on incomes of less than 60 per cent of the average considered as being in this category.

However, being in debt can also be a significant factoor, as families with more money coming in than that amount may find much of it goes on interest payments, leaving them with less to spend.

The government figures for 2010-11 showed 18 per cent of children were in poverty, down two per cent on 2009-10.

By Joe White