Thousands of families living in 'hidden poverty' as rents almost double in a decade

The report found almost half of the people who report being materially deprived, but who are not classified as being at risk of poverty, lived in a household where someone reported having a disability, with most of these less than €100 per week above the poverty line after accounting for household size. File picture: PA

Almost 70% of people experiencing material deprivation are not classified as being at risk of poverty, according to the ESRI. That means there is "hidden" poverty impacting thousands of households around the country. 

The ESRI's latest report also shows  housing costs — whether rent or mortgage — have a huge impact, with average private rents now almost double their 2012 level. However, income inequality is at new record low.