Map Reveals UK’s Poverty Crisis – Find Out Your Region’s Ranking

A new map shows the extent of poverty in the UK, revealing alarming statistics about child poverty and regional disparities.

London: A new map shows the UK’s poverty crisis. It reveals that half of the children in the hardest-hit areas live below the breadline.

The Sun compiled these findings using data from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation. They found that 14.4 million people, or 22%, are living in poverty.

Poverty rates are similar across England, Wales, and Scotland, all around 22%. Northern Ireland has a lower rate at 17%.

Child poverty rates are concerning. In Scotland, it’s 24%, while England has 30% and Wales has 29%. Northern Ireland’s rate is 23%.

By 2029, nearly one in three children in England may live in poverty. JRF chief executive Paul Kissack emphasized that children can’t learn if they lack basic needs.

Poverty can lead to poor health, putting more pressure on the NHS. Kissack insists that focused policy action is necessary to reduce child poverty.

He pointed out that the current social security system is failing. It often pushes people deeper into poverty with strict limits and caps.

The West Midlands has the highest poverty level at 27%. The North West follows at 25%, and London is at 24%. Yorkshire and the Humber are at 23%.

In these areas, about three in ten working adults are unemployed. In the East, South East, and South West, one in five are out of work.

The JRF noted that the social security system doesn’t meet the cost of living. Families with higher costs, like larger or single-parent families, are hit hardest.

Politicians have criticized these findings. Daisy Cooper MP from the Liberal Democrats said the government has done little to address the growing poverty crisis.

She called for a reversal of harmful policies, highlighting that many struggle to afford basic needs. It’s unacceptable for families to worry about housing and essentials in 2025.