A single person in the UK needs a gross income of at least £14,400 in 2010 to live to an acceptable standard, says the Joseph Rowntree Foundation. And a couple with two children need £29,200 for a minimum acceptable standard of living.
The figure indicates a growing gap between the national minimum wage and the minimum income standard. The charity claimed this was due to rising inflation for necessities. In the last 10 years, inflation had risen by 23% but key essentials cost 38% more. These included food prices (up 37%), bus fares (up 59%), and council tax (up 67%).
MINIMUM INCOME STANDARD
Single working age: £175.34
Pensioner couple: £222.22
Couple with two children: £402.83
Lone parent with one child: £233.73
Weekly income excluding rent and childcare
Source: Joseph Rowntree Foundation
