More than 1 million UK children experienced destitution last year, study finds

Severe material hardship no longer a rarity, as study reveals impact of benefit cuts and cost of living crisis

More than 1 million children experienced destitution last year - meaning their families could not afford to adequately feed, clothe or clean them, or keep them warm - according to a major study which reveals an explosion of extreme poverty in the UK.

Severe material hardship was no longer a rare occurrence", the study found, with rates of destitution more than doubling in the last five years as a result of benefit cuts and cost of living pressures, leaving struggling households increasingly reliant on regular charity handouts.

Adults reported a frequent inability to afford more than one meal a day, often going without to ensure their children could eat. Nearly two-thirds (61%) said they had gone hungry in the past month. There was heavy reliance on food banks or relatives for groceries.

More than half of destitute adults (51%) regularly went without toiletries such as shampoo and toothpaste, as well as hygiene and cleaning products, often relying on food banks for these items. One respondent had to borrow money to buy incontinence pads for her disabled daughter.

New clothing and footwear were essential items that people simply did not buy at all", the study concluded, with many adult respondents wearing worn-out clothes, and only buying new clothes - such as school uniforms and trainers - for their children.