How many people are poor in England?

According to the latest figures from the Department for Work and Pensions, there were 13.4 million people living in poverty in the United Kingdom in 2020/21. This represents 20% of the population, or 1 in 5 people.

Of those living in poverty, 4.3 million were children, or 31% of all children in the UK. This is the highest level of child poverty since the mid-1990s.

Poverty is defined as living in a household with an income below 60% of the median income. For a single person, this means living on less than £13,400 per year. For a couple with two children, this means living on less than £31,600 per year.

There are a number of factors that contribute to poverty in England, including low wages, high housing costs, and the rising cost of living. The government has introduced a number of measures to tackle poverty, including raising the minimum wage, increasing child benefits, and providing housing support. However, more needs to be done to address the underlying causes of poverty and ensure that everyone has the opportunity to live a decent life.