London's children in deepest poverty

Research published by Save the Children shows that a higher proportion of London's children are living in severe poverty than in any other region in the UK.

The research found that, at the end of 2008, 13% of children in the UK were living in what it calls severe poverty but in London this figure jumped to 19%. Overall the number living in severe poverty has been rising since 2004, and there is the danger that this trend is set to continue.

Save the Children defines 'severe poverty' as those living in households with incomes of less than 50% of the UK median income (after housing costs) and who are also missing some basic possessions, such as a winter coat. The government's definition of 'poverty' (those living in households with incomes of less than 60% of the UK median income) as used in London's Poverty Profile, shows 40% of children living in poverty.

Save the Children wants the government to cover 100% of childcare costs for parents on working tax credit, improve support for parents wanting to take part-time work and provide more training opportunities.

The research was undertaken for Save the Children by New Policy Institute, who also produce the data for this site.

London's children in deepest poverty

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