A Minimum Income Standard for the UK, 2008-2018: continuity and change
This is the tenth anniversary report of the Minimum Income Standard. It updates the research by reporting on a rebase of budgets for working age adults without children and for pensioners, as well as reviewing those for families with children. The report gives a detailed account of the budgets in 2018, how they have changed since 2008 and how this reflects changes in society. It also compares changes in the minimum income required with trends in disposable income over this period, focusing on households without work or in minimum-wage employment.
Davis, A., Hirsch, D., Padley, M. and Shepherd, C. (2018) A Minimum Income Standard for the UK, 2008-2018: continuity and change. York: Joseph Rowntree Foundation.
Experiences of Living with Visual Impairment: matching income with needs
This research explores the experiences of visually impaired people who are living on a low income and how they meet their needs. It follows a series of studies using the Minimum Income Standards (MIS) method to calculate the additional costs of living for visually impaired people (MIS VI) and analysis comparing these to benefit and minimum wage levels. This new research, through in-depth interviews with visually impaired people with incomes around or below MIS VI, provides an insight into the reality of their lives. It highlights how, although people prioritise meeting their basic material needs, social participation is extremely important but can be restricted when budgets are limited. Having enough income is important to maintain independence, agency and provide security, although resources such as formal and informal human support, access to services, organisations and appropriate technology can also be valuable. Potential barriers to meeting needs include poor health, lack of access to local facilities, transport or technology, and lack of knowledge about services, support, benefits or registration. As well as personal future uncertainties, the research reveals visually impaired people’s concerns and insecurity in the context of austerity regarding reassessment of benefits, social care and potential cuts to services.
Hill, K., Shepherd, C. and Hirsch, D. (2018) Experiences of Living with Visual Impairment: matching income with needs. Loughborough: Centre for Research in Social Policy.
Which Types of Family are at Risk of Food Poverty in the UK? A Relative Deprivation Approach
Not enough is known in the UK about how economic phenomena and policy changes have impacted families’ ability to feed themselves. This article employs a novel way of identifying the types of UK families at risk of food poverty over time. Applying a relative deprivation approach, it asks what counts in the UK as a socially acceptable diet that meets needs for health and social participation and how much this costs. Comparing this to actual food expenditure by different family types, between 2005 and 2013, it identifies which are spending less than expected and may be at risk of food poverty. The analysis finds the proportion has increased over time for most family types and for lone parents and large families in particular. The discussion considers findings in light of changing economic and policy contexts and the implications for policy responses of how food poverty is defined and measured.
O'Connell, R., Owen, C., Padley, M., Simon, A., and Brannen, J. (2018) 'Which Types of Family are at Risk of Food Poverty in the UK? A Relative Deprivation Approach', Social Policy and Society. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1474746418000015.