Facts about child poverty in London
Some of the terms used in the analysis of child poverty may be a bit technical. To help we’ve provided a glossary.
The level of child poverty remains high in London although it has fallen nationally since 1997. Inner London has particularly high rates of child poverty. Poverty among children can have a negative effect on their life chances and opportunities. It can affect housing, health, education and in turn employment.
London’s child poverty rates after housing costs are the highest in the UK
The three-year period, 2004/05 – 2006/07, saw 41 per cent of London’s children, living under the poverty line after housing costs were accounted for. This compared with 30 per cent of children in the UK.i
Table 1: Percentage of children falling into low-income groups by region, 2004/05 – 2006/07.
Region |
Before Housing Costs |
After Housing Costs |
|---|---|---|
England |
22 | 30 |
- North East |
28 | 33 |
- North West |
25 | 31 |
- Yorkshire and the Humber |
25 | 29 |
- East Midlands |
24 | 29 |
- West Midlands |
26 | 33 |
- Eastern |
15 | 25 |
- London |
25 | 41 |
- Inner |
31 | 48 |
- Outer |
22 | 37 |
- South East |
15 | 25 |
- South West |
17 | 26 |
UK |
22 | 30 |
Source: Source: DMAG Update, 10-2008; FRS 2004/05 - 2006/07
Notes:
1. Figures are three-year averages, except UK figure, which is based on a single year 2006/07
2. Figures are for children in households with income below 60 per cent median
Almost half of Inner London children live in poverty after housing costs
Rates of child poverty AHC are much higher in Inner London than for any other region in the UK. During 2004/05 – 2006/07, in Inner London, 48 per cent of children lived in poverty after housing costs. Over the three year period 2003/04 – 2005/06, child poverty in inner London measured 51 per cent (AHC) and 35 per cent before housing costs (BHC).
At 37 per cent the rate of child poverty after housing costs in Outer London is also higher than that of other regions.
Notes
Unless stated otherwise, child poverty data for London are presented on the basis of three-year averages, as they are less prone to sampling variability and more reliable than single year averages.
i DMAG Update 10-2008, Social Exclusion Update of Poverty figures for London: 2006/07