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A deeply researched look at how UK poverty levels skyrocketed, and how the crisis can be fixed.
Almost a third of children in Britain today live in poverty. But how did we get here – and what can be done to turn the tide?
Joanna Mack traces the roots of Britain’s poverty crisis to political choices that have left millions unable to withstand the turmoil of the 2020s. Drawing on four decades of pioneering research, Mack offers a clear-eyed analysis of what it will take to rebuild Britain’s social contract. She sets out bold, practical strategies to create a fairer society, alongside pro-poor policies to protect the most vulnerable. Urgent, evidence‑based, and forward-looking, Impoverished is a blueprint for renewal.
"Joanna Mack sets out her timely response to the ‘deeply flawed and inhumane’ policies that led to rising poverty and destitution in the UK and the change that has to come including how to pay for it. It is comprehensive, detailed and timely." Alison Garnham, Child Poverty Action Group
"Based on her unparalleled expertise, Mack exposes the political choices behind mass poverty and provides an urgent blueprint for renewal. This is a powerful, rigorous, and deeply humane book." Richard Wilkinson, The Equality Trust
Introduction: The promise of change
Chapter 1: The breadth and depth of impoverishment
Chapter 2: The collapse of the safety net
Chapter 3: Blaming the vulnerable
Chapter 4: Why isn’t work a route out of poverty?
Chapter 5: The dismantling of services tackling disadvantage
Chapter 6: How the UK’s housing system drives poverty
Chapter 7: How destitution is designed into the UK’s immigration system
Chapter 8: The interlocking challenges of climate change and poverty
Chapter 9: Lowering the basic costs of living
Chapter 10: Renewing public services
Chapter 11: Income security for all
Chapter 12: Making change happen