The Joseph Rowntree Foundation reports that the number of individuals in the UK facing severe poverty has hit a new peak. The foundation warns that poverty has become more entrenched, with the average person in this situation now living 29% below the poverty line, an increase from 23% in the mid-1990s. It was also noted that 6.8 million people are experiencing very deep poverty, nearly half of all individuals in poverty, marking the highest level on record.
Despite projections that lifting the two-child benefit cap by the Labour party would reduce child poverty by around 400,000 this April compared to the previous year, the JRF cautions that without additional adjustments, relative poverty rates are expected to remain high post-April 2026. The report also highlights a resurgence in child poverty, reaching 4.5 million children, increasing for the third consecutive year.
The foundation also raised concerns about the rapid spread of hunger, noting that 1.1 million more impoverished individuals are struggling to afford sufficient food compared to two years ago, bringing the total to 3.5 million.
In other news, reports suggest that the BBC may utilize iPlayer streaming data to identify individuals without a valid TV license. Currently priced at £174.50 annually, a TV license is required to watch or record live TV programs on any channel, as well as for viewing content on BBC iPlayer, whether live or on catch-up. Up to 40 million BBC iPlayer accounts could potentially be linked to a database monitoring TV license ownership.
Furthermore, a significant overhaul of the self-assessment tax system is set to impact thousands of workers from April. The introduction of Making Tax Digital (MTD) will mandate sole traders and landlords with an annual income exceeding £50,000 to adopt the new tax reporting system, with an average cost of £320 to transition to MTD-compatible software, followed by an annual fee of £110.
Gas prices in Europe, including the UK, have surged due to freezing weather in the US, affecting LNG exports and storage levels. The increase in wholesale gas prices poses potential challenges for energy bills, though most households are protected by Ofgem’s price cap.
Lastly, a new study by the Centre for Cities reveals the UK towns and cities where disposable income has seen the fastest growth. These locations experienced a 5.2% rise in living standards since 2013, outperforming the national average growth rate, with Brighton, Worthing, and London leading the pack in income growth.
