These are some of the striking findings in the fifth edition of London's Poverty Profile - an independent analysis of around 80 poverty and inequality indicators.
- 27% of Londoners in poverty versus 20% in rest of England
- 1.2 million Londoners in poverty live in a working family - up 70% in decade
- Number of children in poverty in London's private rented sector doubles in ten years
Sarah Vero, Director of the Living Wage Foundation, said:
"Life on the minimum wage remains very difficult, this is why we celebrate & call upon responsible businesses to pay the London Living Wage. The voluntary Living Wage rates that we recommend are calculated independently and reflect the real cost of living. The Living Wage isn't about luxuries but enabling people to do more than simply get by, and to have time for their families and community life. This report shows that there is still more to be done and our campaign for more responsible businesses to play their role & pay the London Living Wage remains much needed."
Mubin Haq, Director of Policy and Grants at Trust for London, said:
"A record number of Londoners are in work, yet this has had little impact on the numbers living in poverty in the capital. Over two million are on a low income in London, with an increasing number in working families. On too many occasions work doesn't pay enough, leaving people living in precarious situations.
"Whilst the national living wage is welcome, it falls well short of what is needed to live on and the proposed 2020 rate is already below the London Living Wage of £9.15 per hour. Action is also needed on costs, particularly in relation to housing. The numbers of affordable homes being built is a fraction of what is needed. There is no shortage of solutions to these problems. We can tackle them if there is the political will and drive to ensure London is a city for all and not just the wealthiest. With the Mayoral Election next year, there is a great opportunity to make London fairer."
The report by New Policy Institute, funded by independent charity Trust for London, looks at the role of income, inequality, housing, work, and education in the capital. It shows how things have changed within London over time, and compares this with the rest of the country.
To read the full report, more key responses and more about its findings, please visit here