'This is social failure at scale'

ONE IN THREE CHILDREN NOW LIVING IN POVERTY

- ANNIE GOUK

NEARLY one in three children are living in poverty in Plymouth, as a new report reveals the poorest people would need to double their income just to escape extreme hardship.

The latest official figures show that a shocking 31% of children in Plymouth are living below the breadline up from 29% in 2014/15, and the highest figure in at least eight years.

New analysis by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation reveals for the first time just how many thousands of pounds are needed by families to climb above the poverty line.

For example, a couple with two children under 14 living in very deep poverty would need at least an extra £12,800 just to reach the breadline.

Very deep poverty is defined as a household income of less than 40% of the average, after housing costs below £14,600 for a couple with two young children.