We selected our poverty indicators by bringing together evidence from three sources: academic literature, a survey of the public, and input from focus groups of experts and practitioners working in the field. We settled on 20 indicators:
- income
- material deprivation
- lifestyle deprivation
- bills
- access to a car
- heating
- employment
- subjective financial situation
- neighbourhood deprivation
- physical health
- mental health
- caring for a sick or disabled child
- highest qualification
- neighbourhood support
- family support
- participation
- politics
- household composition
- tenure
- overcrowding
Child Poverty- Group 1 The Grafters
This group makes up the largest proportion (31 per cent) of families in poverty. The vast majority of households in this group contain more than one adult. Households in this group have low incomes but perform well across the other indicators. They tend to be homeowners, have high levels of qualification and employment, are not short of material goods, and report that they are coping financially. They live in the least deprived neighbourhoods and are likely to be engaged in community activity and politics.
Child poverty Group 2- Full House Families
Just over one in five families in poverty (22 per cent) fit into this group. These tend to be very large households, containing multiple adults and young children. Members of this group are more likely to be from Asian and other BME backgrounds, many without English as a first language. They are able to heat their homes and are not behind on bills, but housing conditions are more likely to be overcrowded. Their qualifications range from low to degree level, but their rate of employment is low, with only one or two family members in work. The live in deprived but reasonably supportive neighbourhoods, and get more support from families.
Child Poverty- Group 3 Pressured parents
This group accounts for just over one in five (21 per cent) of families in poverty. Living predominantly in rental properties – more often social than private – these families have a range of incomes but are extremely deprived on lifestyle as well as material measures. They tend to have poor physical and mental health, low skills, and low rates of employment. They are also more likely to be caring for a child with a health condition or disability.
Child poverty Group 4- Vulnerable Mothers
Just under a fifth of families in poverty (18 per cent) fall in this group. Group members are extremely likely to be single parents – mostly young single mothers under 24, with babies and/or young children. They are most likely to be renting – generally from councils or housing associations. Families in this group are the most deprived and are highly likely to lack consumer durables and be behind on bill payments. They are also the most likely to want, but not be able to afford, to make regular savings. Despite living in supportive neighbourhoods, they are the most disengaged from community life on other indicators, such as political engagement and community participation.
Child Poverty- Group 5 Managing mothers
This entirely single-parent group makes up the smallest proportion of poor families (8 per cent of the total). The majority feel they are “just about getting by” financially. They lack some consumer durables but are generally not deprived or behind on bills. Though some work part-time, half of this group are currently out of work. They have few physical health problems, but a third have mental health conditions.