Social Metrics Commission

  • WPI Economics led the analysis for the Social Metrics Commission’s (SMC’s) fifth annual report on poverty levels in the UK. 
  • The report found that UK poverty levels had reached a record high for the 21st century, concluding that nearly one in four (24%) people in the UK are now deemed to be living in poverty.  
  • We developed a new data analytics model for measuring poverty, utilizing complex inputs such as savings, housing costs, and debt.  
  • As well as leading the analytical work, we supported the Commission in publication and media outreach, which included landing the findings on the Guardian’s front page. 
  • We continue to maintain and support the model along with annual reports to the commission.