THE latest Government figures on poverty make for worrying reading.

The figures show that in 2011/12, average incomes have decreased by three per cent compared to 2010/11, with almost a million more people falling into poverty.

We are particularly concerned that there has been a significant rise in the number of children living in absolute poverty, especially as the Institute of Fiscal Studies predicts that it is likely to continue rising over the next five years.

It is unacceptable that increasing numbers of families have to go without basic life essentials.

New research by the End Child Poverty Campaign has shown that the public believe tackling child poverty should be a priority, with action needing to be taken urgently.

Sadly, as the full impact of the recent welfare cuts start to be felt and with household costs continuing to rise, the picture looks set to get worse.

In these economic times, it is more important than ever that people in financial need can access support through welfare benefits, charitable grants and other financial help.

We would urge them to check their eligibility on our website turn2us.org.uk to find out what help is available.

ALISON TAYLOR, director of Turn2us, London.