THE Government has been accused of “ducking and diving” after it hailed a fall of one million in the number of people of all ages living in absolute poverty since 2010.

Official figures also showed that income inequality – the gap between the richest and poorest – had fallen and remains lower than when the former Coalition Government took charge eight years ago.

But the TUC said where working age adults in poverty were concerned those numbers were rising – up two per cent over the same period – with 400,000 falling into this category in the North-East and 700,000 in Yorkshire.

This was despite significant falls in regional unemployment. The categorisation of absolute poverty also does not take into account housing costs, a major factor in living standards.

Stockton North MP Alex Cunningham told The Northern Echo: “The Government can duck and dive and be as selective as they like with their statistics but the facts from independent organisations speak for themselves and show the growth in poverty since 2010.

“Our society has seen a tremendous growth of poverty amongst working families, some destined to get worse due to the mismanagement of universal credit.”

Beth Farhat, TUC regional secretary, said: “Working people in the North-East desperately need a new deal.

“This means cracking down on zero-hours contracts and sham self-employment. And more public investment is needed in infrastructure and public services to support the creation of great jobs that a family can live on.”

The Bishop of Durham, The Right Reverend Paul Butler, said he was also concerned at upward trends in what he called relative poverty.

He said: “As a country we share a moral responsibility to care for the most vulnerable in society.

“These groups are already at greater risk of being in poverty and yet are bearing the brunt of recent welfare reforms.”

The figures showed that the number of children living in a workless household is down by almost 600,000 since 2010.

The average household now takes home a record £494 a week and compared to 2007/08 the poorest fifth of households are seeing an extra £1,000 after inflation added to their annual income.

Kit Malthouse, Minister for Family Support, Housing and Child Maintenance, said: “It’s fantastic news that one million fewer people are living in absolute poverty than in 2010, including 300,000 children.

“We know there is more to do to ensure that every child gets the best chances in life.

“Our welfare reforms offer parents tailored support to move into work, ensuring that even more families can enjoy the opportunities and benefits that work can bring.”