Conservative Councillor Gareth Ellis says there is no statistical evidence that poverty has increased in recent years (News & Star October 14). Figures produced by the well respected Joseph Rowntree Foundation suggest otherwise. During the five years leading up to 2018 figures show the number of children living in poverty in the UK has increased by half a million, up to 4.1 million. Over 14 million people, about one in five of the UK population, are now living in poverty. Successive Conservative Governments are responsible for these disgraceful increases.

Children are more likely to live in poverty than adults. This blights children’s wellbeing and their future life chances. They are more likely to have poor physical and mental health and are less likely to achieve their potential at school and in employment.

Iain Duncan Smith oversaw the launch of the shambles which is Universal Credit. The National Audit Office has described it “not fit for purpose” and “not value for money”.

Carlisle MP John Stevenson says employment is the key - “That’s why employment is so important”. How does he suggest the 1.9 million pensioners living in poverty improve their circumstances?

Richard Reardon

Carlisle