Northern Ireland

More than 300,000 people living in 'absolute poverty' in Northern Ireland

Figures revealing that more than 300,000 people are living in absolute poverty
Figures revealing that more than 300,000 people are living in absolute poverty Figures revealing that more than 300,000 people are living in absolute poverty

FIGURES revealing that more than 300,000 people are living in "absolute poverty" in Northern Ireland were last night described as "frightening".

The statistics, which were released by the Department for Communities, also show that one in five children are among those living in absolute poverty.

SDLP assembly member Mark H Durkan said the figures were "nothing short of a disgrace".

The Northern Ireland Poverty Bulletin 2018/19 reveals there had been a "statistically significant increase" in the number of people deemed to be living in absolute poverty.

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The figures show that 16 per cent of individuals were now living in absolute poverty - around 303,000 people - compared to 14 per cent in the in 2017/18.

Of those people living in absolute poverty. 92,000 (21 per cent) were children.

Absolute poverty before housing costs is defined as people who have incomes below 60 per cent of the UK (inflation adjusted) median income in 2010/11.

In 2018/19 the threshold was £294 per week before housing costs for a couple with no children.

Therefore, a couple with no children that have a combined income below £294 per week would be considered to be living in absolute poverty.

Mark H Durkan, SDLP assembly member
Mark H Durkan, SDLP assembly member Mark H Durkan, SDLP assembly member

The figures also show that 12 per cent of pensioners were in absolute poverty, around 34,000 elderly people - a fall from the 2017/18 estimate of 14 per cent.

Mr Durkan last night said : "The fact that one in five children are in 'absolute poverty' is frightening and a damning indictment on our society.

"These figures have substantially increased in recent years too, which is another cause for concern - particularly when we consider the catastrophic impact that the current pandemic is having now and will continue to have in the longer term.

"These statistics show that 16 per cent of our people are in absolute poverty, including 12 per cent of our pensioners.

"This report is deeply worrying and behind the figures are families and children living in poverty and anxiety.

"We must do more to end poverty. It is nothing short of an outrage that a well-off society has so many children living in poverty, with 36,000 food parcels issued in one year, before the Covid-19 pandemic."

Mr Durkan added that he would raised the issue with Communities minister Deirdre Hargey so that they can work to "improve the Dickensian conditions which many across the north are living in and dying in".