Menu
05/04/2013
Third Of NI Households Deprived
One third of households in Northern Ireland are deprived, according to a recent study by Queen’s University Belfast.
Researchers at the university have conducted the largest study of poverty and deprivation to date in the UK.
It found one third of households in Northern Ireland do not have what are considered to be the basic necessities.
Those affected lack three or more of 22 necessities, covering food, clothing, housing and social activities.
Within those households, the research found over 115,000 adults and children (6.4% of the population) are not properly fed.
The study has revealed the proportion of families unable to heat their homes is at an all time high of 13%.
This figure a decade ago was 3%.
The study also found 29% of people have 'sometimes' or 'often' skimped on food so that others in the household would have enough to eat.
30% of families cannot afford one week's annual holiday away from home for their children.
6% of families cannot afford to have a computer and internet access for children to do their homework.
7% of households are unable to afford fresh fruit and vegetables every day
43% of households could not afford to pay for an unexpected, but necessary bill of £500.
28% cannot afford to make regular payments into an occupational or private pension.
13% of households cannot afford to keep their home adequately warm.
Professor Mike Tomlinson, School of Sociology, Social Policy and Social Work at Queen's said: "These findings present a bleak portrait of contemporary life for the bottom third of households in Northern Ireland. This situation, serious as it is, is set to get worse as benefit levels fall in real terms, as real wages continue a three-year decline and living standards are further squeezed. The decline in living standards poses an enormous challenge to the Northern Ireland Executive and its programme Delivering Social Change."
(IT/CD)
Researchers at the university have conducted the largest study of poverty and deprivation to date in the UK.
It found one third of households in Northern Ireland do not have what are considered to be the basic necessities.
Those affected lack three or more of 22 necessities, covering food, clothing, housing and social activities.
Within those households, the research found over 115,000 adults and children (6.4% of the population) are not properly fed.
The study has revealed the proportion of families unable to heat their homes is at an all time high of 13%.
This figure a decade ago was 3%.
The study also found 29% of people have 'sometimes' or 'often' skimped on food so that others in the household would have enough to eat.
30% of families cannot afford one week's annual holiday away from home for their children.
6% of families cannot afford to have a computer and internet access for children to do their homework.
7% of households are unable to afford fresh fruit and vegetables every day
43% of households could not afford to pay for an unexpected, but necessary bill of £500.
28% cannot afford to make regular payments into an occupational or private pension.
13% of households cannot afford to keep their home adequately warm.
Professor Mike Tomlinson, School of Sociology, Social Policy and Social Work at Queen's said: "These findings present a bleak portrait of contemporary life for the bottom third of households in Northern Ireland. This situation, serious as it is, is set to get worse as benefit levels fall in real terms, as real wages continue a three-year decline and living standards are further squeezed. The decline in living standards poses an enormous challenge to the Northern Ireland Executive and its programme Delivering Social Change."
(IT/CD)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
13 March 2008
Continued Growth In NI Households
The number of households in Northern Ireland is set to rise as a result of both population increase and a continued move towards smaller households, according to data from the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA) published today.
Continued Growth In NI Households
The number of households in Northern Ireland is set to rise as a result of both population increase and a continued move towards smaller households, according to data from the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA) published today.
04 November 2005
Report finds women still earning less than men
Women in Northern Ireland continue to receive less income than men, although the difference is narrowing, a new report has claimed.
Report finds women still earning less than men
Women in Northern Ireland continue to receive less income than men, although the difference is narrowing, a new report has claimed.
26 November 2024
All NI Schools To Have Defibrillators By End Of Academic Year
All schools in Northern Ireland will be provided with life-saving Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) by the end of the current academic year.
All NI Schools To Have Defibrillators By End Of Academic Year
All schools in Northern Ireland will be provided with life-saving Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) by the end of the current academic year.
12 March 2024
NI Households Left With Less Than £32 Per Week After Essentials
Discretionary income has fallen by over half since 2021 for Northern Ireland's lowest earning households, leaving them with only £31.31 per week on average, according to the Consumer Council.
NI Households Left With Less Than £32 Per Week After Essentials
Discretionary income has fallen by over half since 2021 for Northern Ireland's lowest earning households, leaving them with only £31.31 per week on average, according to the Consumer Council.
19 August 2024
Lowest Earning Households Left With Under £42 Per Week
Northern Ireland's lowest earning households have seen their discretionary income fall by over 35% since the first quarter of 2021, leaving them with less than £42 per week on average after paying for essentials.
Lowest Earning Households Left With Under £42 Per Week
Northern Ireland's lowest earning households have seen their discretionary income fall by over 35% since the first quarter of 2021, leaving them with less than £42 per week on average after paying for essentials.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A chilly start with a widespread frost and some freezing fog, any freezing fog slow to clear. Otherwise bright with sunny spells and coastal showers. Light winds. Maximum temperature 6 °C.Tonight:Coastal showers dying out with a widespread frost developing along with freezing fog, which could become extensive. Winds remaining light. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
