Specific information regarding low income for the United Kingdom is available in "Households Below Average Income 1994-95, 2005-06 (Revised)". The threshold of below 60 per cent. contemporary median income is the most commonly used in reporting trends in low income.
The available information is shown in the following tables. The data source does not allow us to provide robust numbers for estimates below the level of Government Office Region. Data for 2006-07 are not yet available so statistics for the most recent years are given instead.
Percentage of households Before housing costs After housing costs England 31 55 North East 36 56 North West 34 55 Yorkshire and the Humber 38 55 East Midlands 35 55 West Midlands 33 53 East of England 26 52 London 28 58 South East 21 52 South West 27 57
Percentage of households Before housing costs After housing costs England 30 45 North East 32 42 North West 31 44 Yorkshire and the Humber 32 42 East Midlands 33 45 West Midlands 32 45 East of England 25 41 London 30 52 South East 23 42 South West 27 41 Notes: 1. Three survey year averages are given for each of the regions as robust single year estimates cannot be produced because of the sample sizes for individual regions. 2 The income measures used to derive the estimates shown employ the same methodology as the Department for Work and Pensions publication 'Households Below Average Income' series, which uses disposable household income, adjusted/equivalised for household size and composition, as an income measure as a proxy for standard of living. 3. The figures are based on OECD equivalisation factors. 4. Tables show figure in percentages rounded to the nearest percentage point.