The Government was tonight accused of plunging more people below the breadline as figures showed one in 10 households borrowed to meet ordinary living expenses.

Community and anti-poverty workers have described the government’s latest National Action Plan for Social Inclusion as ‘disappointing and lacking in ambition’.

IN the run-up to the general election, the European Anti-Poverty Network helped organise meetings around the country where people experiencing poverty, and those who work with them, were able to put their concerns to candidates.