Poorest 20% no better off than in 2004/05 –ONS

Office for National Statistics says income growth has stalled as result of improved labour market

The poorest fifth of the British population have suffered a 7% fall in their disposable household incomes over the past two years, leaving them no better off than they were in 2004-05, according to official figures.

The Office for National Statistics said this fall compared with an increase in median disposable household incomes of 0.4% a year over the last two years to 29,600. This weak growth rate follows relatively strong growth of 3% a year between 2012-13 and 2016-17.