Extra 1.5 million will be in poverty by 2022

A new report by the Equality and Human Rights Commission has revealed that the child poverty rate for those in lone parent households will increase from 37 per cent to over 62 per cent.

Looking at the impact reforms from 2010 to 2018 will have on various groups across society in 2021 to 2022, the report also finds that an extra 1.5 million are expected to be in poverty, while households with three or more children will see particularly large losses of around £5,600.

Furthermore, the negative impacts, largely driven by changes to the benefit system and reductions in Universal Credit rates, are also expected to result in lone parents losing an average of £5,250 a year, almost one-fifth of their annual income, while households with at least one disabled adult and a disabled child will lose over £6,500 a year, representing over 13 per cent of their annual income.

David Isaac, chair of the Equality and Human Rights Commission, said: "It’s disappointing to discover that the reforms we have examined negatively affect the most disadvantaged in our society. It’s even more shocking that children – the future generation – will be the hardest hit and that so many will be condemned to start life in poverty. We cannot let this continue if we want a fairer Britain. We are keen to work together with government to achieve its vision of a Britain that works for everyone. To achieve this outcome it is essential that a full cumulative impact analysis is undertaken of all current and future tax and social security policies. We have proved it’s possible and urge the government to follow our lead and work with us to deliver it.”