We work to speed up and support the transition to a future free from poverty, in which people and planet can flourish.
York, UK
Joined January 2009
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Poverty is deepening.
🔎 Our #UKPoverty2026 report was launched this morning.
People in very deep poverty now make up the biggest group of people in poverty, at 6.8 million people.
This is unacceptable for the fifth richest country in the world, and it has consequences.
🚨 NEW ANALYSIS!
Our latest modelling finds that without urgent action on the cost of living, this will still be the worst parliament on record for living standards.
Our analysis shows that households across the income spectrum will suffer the hit 👇
ALT Graph showing how under current projections this will be the worst parliament on record in the UK for living standards
💬 The scale of the living standards challenge facing families and the government remains significant, with incomes after housing costs falling by 1% on average by the end of this parliament.
Govt must invest in families' economic security to unlock growth and reverse the trend.
Read our full press release here: jrf.org.uk/news/budget-day-a…
💼 'Breathing space' for today not enough
Our response to today's Budget 👇
Chancellor @JohnHealey_MP has announced measures that will help struggling families this winter - but we'll be right back here again next year without more fundamental reforms.
We're calling for a bold policy package that would tackle this head on:
- Restore the link between Local Housing Allowance and local rents
- A protected minimum floor in Universal Credit
- An Affordable Energy Guarantee, providing a block of cheaper energy for every household
ALT Quote card of JRF/JRHT CEO Julian Hartley saying "People need to feel that paying rent, heating their home and putting food on the table is becoming easier. Today's Budget recognises that pressure but falls short of what's needed: long term policies that build resilience for those who need it most."
Joseph Rowntree Foundation retweeted
Last week, JRF published Poverty in NI 2026. We spoke to @profnicdoherty on how child poverty impacts a child's development & long-term outcomes. She set out how we need to act on the evidence & invest early to give all children the best start in life ⤵️
Joseph Rowntree Foundation retweeted
And we also argue that Government should introduce a rent control alongside annual Local Housing Allowance.
This will constrain the annual cost of LHA uprating, and boost the incomes of private renters across the income distribution - improving affordability and security.
Joseph Rowntree Foundation retweeted
Moreover the freeze in LHA pushes costs elsewhere in the system, including into homelessness and temporary accommodation services.
The Government must use the budget next week to uprate Local Housing Allowance, and help renters to keep a roof over their heads.
Joseph Rowntree Foundation retweeted
Our recent research severe levels of hardship among low-income private renters in receipt of housing benefits
In early 2026:
- 78% were going without essentials
- 56% were in arrears with household bills
Joseph Rowntree Foundation retweeted
Private rents have increased by almost a quarter since Local Housing Allowance rates were frozen.
Resolution Foundation find that the gap between rents and the support available is close to a record high.
The freeze is mounting pressure on struggling renters.
Joseph Rowntree Foundation retweeted
In NI, 93% of lone parent families are headed by women.
Women are at greater risk of poverty and many are taking actions, like going without food and heat, to protect their children from poverty.
📉 The risk of falling into poverty is not distributed equally
- Lone parent families
- Larger families (3+ children)
- Families with young children (with a child under the age of 5)
- Households where someone has a disability
All face an elevated risk of being in poverty.
ALT Graph showing the poverty rate for different family types, benchmarked against the average for all children in Northern Ireland