Rachel Reeves MP, Labour’s Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary, responding to a report from the IFS showing that faster cost of living increases for poorer households means more people in absolute poverty than thought, said,

“This report is further evidence of the huge pressures which families are facing as a result of David Cameron’s cost-of-living crisis. The Government’s failure to tackle soaring energy, childcare bills and low wages has led to millions struggling to get by. Earlier in the year the IFS said child poverty is set to rise 900,000 by 2020.

“A Labour Government will do more to help families who are struggling to make ends meet so that every child gets the best start in life. We will freeze energy prices, raise the minimum wage, extend free childcare provision, scrap the Bedroom Tax and introduce a Compulsory Jobs Guarantee to get people off benefits and into work.”