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<p>The Department for Work and Pensions has not undertaken any specific assessment
but notes that the analysis included in the report is based on the Social Metric Commission’s
(SMC) measure of poverty.</p><p> </p><p>The Government accepts that the SMC’s approach
offers a more expansive view of inescapable costs, and alternative income sources
will add new insight to the understanding of poverty. In March 2023, the Department
for Work and Pensions announced plans to resume work developing an experimental measure
of poverty based on the SMC’s innovative work. The Government already publishes national
statistics on low income using a range of measures.</p><p>The Government’s focus is
firmly on supporting people into and to progress in work. Our approach is based on
clear evidence about the importance of employment, particularly where it is full-time,
in substantially reducing the risks of poverty. The latest statistics show that working
age adults living in workless households were over 7 times more likely to be in absolute
poverty after housing costs than working age adults in households where all adults
work. To help people into work our core Jobcentre offer provides a range of options,
including face-to-face time with work coaches and interview assistance. We are also
addressing progression barriers through our comprehensive package of childcare support,
our in work progression offer, and changes to the administrative earnings threshold
which ensure that more claimants can benefit from work coach support.</p><p>The Government
understands the pressures people are facing with the cost of living and is taking
action to help. Overall, we are providing total support of over £94bn over 2022-23
and 2023-24 to help households and individuals with the rising cost of bills. From
April 2023, everyone who receives a state benefit or pension will have seen their
benefit rates increase by 10.1%.</p>
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