Measuring Poverty 2020: A report of the Social Metrics Commission

The Social Metrics Commission was brought together to develop a new approach to poverty measurement that both better reflects the nature and experiences of poverty that different families in the UK have, and can be used to build a consensus around poverty measurement and action in the UK. WPI Economics provided technical and policy support to the Social Metrics Commission as it worked to develop this new approach to poverty measurement in the UK.

This report uses the most recent data available to provide a comprehensive account of poverty based on the Social Metrics Commission’s (SMC) framework for measuring poverty. As the full extent of the Covid-19 crisis unfolds, measuring poverty will also be central to ensuring that the long-term economic and social impacts of the crisis are tackled.

To read the full report, click here.