Around 4.6 million children are living in poverty (Picture: Getty)

Millions of people are struggling to get by in the UK, a new report has revealed.

In total there are 14.3 million people living in poverty in Britain, according to a study from the Social Metrics Commission (SMC).

This includes 8.3 million working-age adults, 4.6 million children and 1.3 million pension-age adults.

SMC chairwoman Philippa Stroud said: ‘It is concerning that overall poverty has remained at almost the same level since the early 2000s, under governments of all colours.


‘But it is also clear that beneath the surface there are significant differences in the experience of poverty among different groups of people.

‘Decisions made by policymakers can have a significant impact on who is in poverty and how deep and persistent that poverty is.



‘These new findings highlight the urgent need for a more united and concerted approach.’

Overall seven million people, including 2.3 million children, are classed as in persistent poverty, defined as being in poverty for at least two of the previous three years.

Nearly half (48%) of people in poverty – totalling 6.8 million – live in a family where someone is disabled.

The SMC said the report showed how tough the challenge facing new Prime Minister Boris Johnson was.

Mr Johnson has promised a staggering £3.6 billion investment for left-behind towns.

He also promised action on housing and crime.

A Government spokesman said: ‘We welcome the work of the Social Metrics Commission which shows that poverty has reduced since 2010, and we’re pleased to be working with them on a new measure of poverty which will help us target support more effectively.’

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