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<p>This Government has overseen significant falls in absolute poverty since 2009/10.
There were 1.7 million fewer people in absolute low income after housing costs in
2021/22 compared to 2009/10, a decrease of 4 percentage points. This decrease includes
400,000 fewer children (a decrease of 5 percentage points), 1 million fewer working
age individuals (a decrease of 5 percentage points) and 200,000 fewer pensioners (a
decrease of 2 percentage points).</p><p> </p><p>The Government is committed to reducing
poverty and supporting low-income families. This is reflected in the £276bn we will
spend through the welfare system in Great Britain in 2023/24, including around £124bn
on people of working age and children, and reflecting an increase in benefit rates
and State Pensions of 10.1% last April. From this April, and subject to Parliamentary
approval, working age benefits will rise by a further 6.7%, in line with inflation.
The increase in the Local Housing Allowance rates to the 30<sup>th</sup> percentile
of local market rates will give further help to 1.6 million low-income households.</p><p>With
over 900,000 job vacancies across the UK, our focus remains firmly on supporting individuals
to move into and progress in work. This approach is based on clear evidence about
the important role that work - particularly where it is full-time – can play in reducing
the risks of poverty. The latest statistics show that, in 2021/22, working age adults
living in workless families were 7 times more likely to be in absolute poverty after
housing costs than working age adults in families where all adults work.</p><p> </p><p>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. In addition, there is
specific support targeted towards young people, people aged 50 plus and job seekers
with disabilities or health issues.</p><p> </p><p>To support those who are in work,
the voluntary in-work progression offer is now available in all Jobcentres across
Great Britain, providing an estimated 1.2 million low paid workers on UC access to
personalised work coach support to help them increase their earnings. In addition,
on 1 April 2024, the Government will increase the National Living Wage for workers
aged 21 years and over by 9.8% to £11.44 representing an increase of over £1,800 to
the gross annual earnings of a full-time worker on the NLW.</p>
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