Trends in the level of poverty

That this House notes the publication of the latest poverty report by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation; further notes that, in 2023-24, around 14.2 million people, or 21 per cent of the population, were living in poverty; expresses deep concern that 6.8 million people were living in very deep poverty in 2023-24, representing almost half of all those in poverty and the highest level on record going back to 1994-95; also notes that child poverty has risen for a third consecutive year, with millions of children growing up in households experiencing sustained hardship; is alarmed by rising levels of food insecurity and the inability of many families to afford essentials; recognises that disabled people, lone parents, renters and larger families are disproportionately affected; believes that persistent and deepening poverty undermines economic growth, public health and life chances; and calls on the Government to bring forward a comprehensive, cross-departmental strategy to reduce poverty, tackle deep poverty in particular, and ensure that social security, housing and employment policies work together to provide genuine financial security for all.