The Joseph Rowntree Foundation reports that the number of individuals in very deep poverty in the UK has hit a record high. According to the foundation, poverty levels have intensified, with those affected currently living 29% below the poverty line, an increase from 23% in the mid-1990s. The report also reveals that 6.8 million people are experiencing very deep poverty, nearly half of all individuals living in poverty, marking the highest level on record.
Although Labour’s decision to remove the two-child benefit cap is expected to reduce child poverty by around 400,000 children this April compared to the previous year, the Joseph Rowntree Foundation cautions that without additional changes, relative poverty rates are projected to persist at elevated levels after April 2022.
Furthermore, the foundation’s analysis indicates a resurgence in child poverty, with the number of children in poverty reaching 4.5 million, marking a third consecutive year of increase. The report also highlights a concerning trend of escalating hunger, with an additional 1.1 million individuals in poverty struggling to afford an adequate amount of food compared to two years ago, bringing the total to 3.5 million.
In separate news, the BBC is reportedly considering leveraging iPlayer streaming data to identify individuals who have not paid for a TV license. Currently priced at £174.50 annually, a TV license is mandatory for watching or recording live TV programs on any channel, as well as for viewing any content on BBC iPlayer, whether live or on catch-up.
The Telegraph has disclosed that up to 40 million BBC iPlayer accounts may soon be linked with a database tracking TV license ownership based on address information provided during BBC iPlayer account registration. This initiative aims to ensure compliance with TV licensing regulations.
Additionally, significant changes are expected in the self-assessment tax system from April 2026. The introduction of Making Tax Digital (MTD) will require sole traders and landlords with an annual income exceeding £50,000 to adopt the new tax reporting system. Transitioning to MTD-compatible software is estimated to cost an average of £320 initially, followed by an annual expense of £110. Lower income thresholds for MTD implementation are also planned for subsequent years, with the threshold set to decrease to £30,000 in April 2027 and £20,000 in April 2028.
Overall, these developments indicate a shifting landscape in poverty levels, TV licensing enforcement, and tax reporting requirements in the UK, with potential implications for individuals and households across the country.