CHILD poverty has risen faster in Britain than in any well-off country, a Unicef report has revealed, being placed last for how the rate has changed over the past decade among the world’s 39 high- and upper-middle-income countries in the EU and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

Jon Sparkes, chief executive of the United Kingdom Committee for Unicef, said: “Poverty experienced anywhere — and in any form — poses risks to children’s health, wellbeing and development.

“The consequences can last a lifetime and tackling it should be a national priority.