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The impacts of COVID-19 have particularly hit London as well as individuals, families and communities that were already struggling the most prior to the pandemic, according to figures released this week in London’s Poverty Profile report.  

Commissioned every year by Trust for London and WPI Economics, London’s Poverty Profile provides evidence and insight on poverty and inequality in London. This year’s report looked at the distribution of health impacts, as well as considering how work, living standards and wellbeing have been impacted.

It shows that London has been hit particularly hard, both in terms of citizens’ health and its economy, compared to other parts of England. It also reveals that those living on the lowest incomes in the Capital have been disproportionally affected.

As we emerge from the crisis, we must all work together to ensure that no one has to live a life of poverty, and that social and economic prosperity is shared more equitably. More needs to be done to tackle systematic disadvantage faced by certain groups in our city.

Bharat Mehta, Chief Executive at Trust for London

Key findings: London's Poverty Profile

The disproportionate impact on London

  • London has the highest rate of deaths out of all the English regions
  • The fall in payrolled jobs has been larger in London (5%) compared to the rest of England (1.9%)
  • More Londoners are now relying on benefits to make ends meet (44% increase)
  • More Londoners have accessed food banks, compared to the rest of England

The disproportionate impact on London’s most deprived communities

  • COVID-19 mortality rates disproportionally affected deprived communities
  • Low-income Londoners have been hard hit by employment impacts

However, there has been some good news.

  • Number of people seen sleeping rough fallen by 59%
  • 78% decrease in repossessed homes

Links

London's Poverty Profile 2021: COVID-19 and poverty in London

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