Statement on households below average income statistics

She said,

"In a year where inflation was relatively high, average incomes were flat, but still remain at a record high. These numbers show that between 2016-17, and 17-18, relative poverty after housing costs has decreased by one percentage point, absolute poverty after housing costs is unchanged in percentage terms, and absolute poverty and relative poverty before housing costs have increased by 1%."

Responding for the opposition, Margaret Greenwood MP said,

"Today's figures are truly shocking. They highlight the devastating impact of austerity on families across the country. It is a national scandal that 14 million people including 4.1 million children are living in poverty in one of the richest countries in the world"

• Watch Parliament TV: statement on households below average income statistics
• Read Commons Hansard: Households below average income statistics

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