Public backs action on poverty

A survey of 2,000 adults for a new coalition of more than 50 charities and faith groups showed that more than a third wanted government intervention to help the poorest.

Just over half said they would be more inclined to vote for a party which took serious measures to eradicate poverty.

The new coalition, Get Fair, is made up of groups including Help the Aged, Oxfam, Shelter and Save the Children.

Chairman Fran Beckett said: "These results send a clear warning that voters want and expect our political parties to set out exactly how they will address poverty so that we have a real social safety net.

"Making Britain a fairer place should be one of the key political issues that parties discuss during their conferences over the next few weeks."

Vice-chairman Vanessa Stanislas, chief executive of the Disability Alliance, said: "The UK is becoming richer but not fairer, with one in five people now living in poverty in the world's fifth richest country.

"The majority of British people want a fairer society and this poll suggests that they will reward the political party which has the confidence to tackle poverty."

Shelter chief executive Adam Sampson said: "Every day Shelter sees more and more ordinary people who are falling into poverty after becoming victims of Britain's economic downturn.

"This poll is very important, and acts as a wake-up call, as it shows people of all ages, regions and social classes want something done about poverty and are prepared to vote with their feet."