The current cost of living is pushing more people into poverty, with almost 68% of low income...
Inflation
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30/01/2014
Poorest groups hit hardest by inflation
Average annual inflation has been 1 percentage point per year higher for the poorest fifth of households than for the richest fifth since 2008, according to a new analysis from researchers at the Institute for Fiscal Studies.
The research findings appear in a pre-released chapter from the IFS 'Green Budget' 2014 publication.
Category: Reports -
28/06/2013
Cost of minimum income standard up by a quarter
The cost of a minimum acceptable standard of living has risen by a quarter since the start of the economic downturn, according to a new analysis from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation.
The report provides the 2013 update of the minimum income standard (MIS) for the United Kingdom, based on what members of the public think people need for an acceptable minimum standard of living. The MIS was first calculated in 2008.Category: Reports -
01/04/2013
Inflation ‘hits poorest families hardest’
Inflation is hitting the poorest families up to a third harder than the richest ones, due to the soaring cost of essentials such as gas and food, says the charity Barnardo's in a new report. Its conclusions are based on interviews with low-income families and new analysis of economic data.
Category: Reports -
07/01/2013
Water poverty set to soar
by Meg Huby and Jonathan Bradshaw
Almost a quarter of households in England and Wales suffered from water poverty in 2009/10 and if water charges continue to rise more quickly than inflation, the extent of water poverty could more than double by 2033. This is causing problems both for low-income families, who find that water costs are putting ever more pressure on household finances, and for the water companies, who face increasing losses of revenue through non-payment.
Since water privatisation in 1989, water prices have been increasing faster than both inflation and average earnings. As the graph below shows water and related charges have risen faster than overall consumer prices (though less than fuel and lighting). This has posed particular problems for families on benefits as benefit increases have been pegged to the Consumer Prices Index.
Movement in water compared to CPI and other costs
Category: Articles -
08/03/2012
Low income families squeezed hard by rising inflation
The government’s austerity measures and rising inflation are eating into the budgets of low income families, according to the charity Family Action. The report shows that among families helped by the charity, fuel and food costs were placing family budgets under intense pressure, leaving nothing for parents to save for their children’s future, or for fun activities other children could enjoy such as a school disco.
Category: News stories
