Poverty in York shows little change in 125 years, researchers find
Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 14 Oct, 17:02 · Archive
A new study of poverty in York finds conditions have barely improved since Seebohm Rowntree's landmark 1901 research.
A new study from the University of York's Cost of Living Research Group has found that efforts to tackle poverty may be going backwards, with little changed since Seebohm Rowntree's 1901 study 'Poverty: A Study of Town Life'. One study participant commented on housing: 'I don't see much difference 125 years on.'
Researchers found people turning to casual labour, sex work and the black market to make ends meet, with increasing reliance on charity and community support as traditional support systems fail. The study found around 18 per cent of all children were living in relative poverty in York. According to 2024/5 data, low-income households in York were more likely to fall below the poverty line than those in London.
Dr Kit Colliver, a researcher behind the study, said York's wealthy image was masking deep pockets of deprivation and making life harder for people struggling. Cllr Katie Lomas, York Council's Labour finance spokesperson, said high rents, house prices and the cost of living made living in the city extremely challenging for thousands on low incomes. The findings contrast sharply with York being named the country's most affluent city by the Centre for Cities.
How it is being reported
- Fears efforts to tackle poverty going 'backwards' as reality in York laid bareThere are fears efforts to tackle poverty are going backwards, with York researchers told little has changed a century on from a landmark study.Gazette & Herald (Malton) · 14 Oct, 16:37
- Fears efforts to tackle poverty going 'backwards' as reality in York laid bareThere are fears efforts to tackle poverty are going backwards, with York researchers told little has changed a century on from a landmark study.The Press (York) · 14 Oct, 16:37
In this story: York · University of York · Seebohm Rowntree · Kit Colliver · Katie Lomas · Centre for Cities
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