"Our social security system must provide families with enough to afford the essentials," says BPS
The BPS responds to a new report from the Social Metrics Commission which reveals that poverty rates are now at an all-time high.
21 November 2024
Responding to the new study on poverty from the Social Metrics Commission, President of the British Psychological Society, Dr Roman Raczka said:
"This new study from the Social Metrics Commission reflects the bitter reality that faces millions of people living in the UK.
"With the study's results showing that more than one in three children are now living in poverty, the potentially devastating psychological impact needs to be considered. Children growing up in poverty are four to five times more likely to develop mental health difficulties later in life and disadvantaged children meanwhile are estimated to be over four months behind their more advantaged peers when starting school at age five.
"Our social security system must provide families with enough to afford the essentials. Children and their families who are most in need will only be able to access the support they require if long-term investment is forthcoming. Such funding would significantly improve their health and well-being and help level the playing field across the UK."