This is almost two-and-a-half times the number of people in 2017, and nearly triple the number of children. There is an urgent need for action to tackle destitution in the UK.

Destitution is defined as not being able to afford basic physical needs of being warm, dry, clean and fed.

Single people aged 25-44 are most likely to experience destitution, but families and older people are increasingly affected. Destitution also disproportionately affects households from Black, Black British, Caribbean, or African backgrounds, people who have recently arrived in the UK, and also people with long term health conditions.

The report strongly makes the case for designing out destitution in our welfare and immigration systems. Read the report and more recommendations.