UK struggles as over 14 million people live in poverty

In the UK, the cost of living crisis continues to pose significant challenges for households, exacerbated by rising inflation that outstrips income. Research from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation revealed that in 2022/23, over 14.3 million people, representing 21 percent of the population, were living in poverty. This alarming statistic highlights the dire economic conditions affecting many families and individuals across the nation. To mitigate these challenges, the government is urging households to claim all available benefits and support. In July 2025, benefit payments will be distributed normally without interruptions from bank holidays, providing essential support to Universal Credit, state pension, Jobseeker's allowance, and other forms of financial assistance. Significant changes to some benefits are set to take place, including rates for Universal Credit, which will adjust in April next year, while the criteria for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) will tighten later in November. In April of this year, a 1.7 percent increase was applied to all benefits, in line with reported inflation figures from September 2024. Despite this increment, the financial strain on families remains problematic, especially with frozen benefits rates expected to affect populations reliant on the additional Universal Credit health element. The government intends to cap deductions from universal credit at 15 percent beginning April 2025, a reduction from the previous cap of 25 percent, in an attempt to provide further relief for those receiving support indefinitely. As inflation persists, many families are encouraged to explore council assistance options like Discretionary Housing Payments and various grants. Access to vital resources includes contacting local authorities for specific eligibility requirements or using tools from charities like Turn2us to search for potential grants. Additionally, working parents can access 30 hours of free childcare for children aged 3 to 4, easing the impact of rising costs on their budgets. With energy prices adjusting downward from £1,849 to £1,720 due to Ofgem's energy price cap changes for the July to September quarter, further relief may be on the horizon, albeit modest in the face of declining purchasing power.