1 in 3 in Valencia region at risk of poverty

NEARLY one in three (29%) young adults in the Valencia Region are now at risk of poverty.

This is 14 per cent more than a year ago, according to a report released Monday on the impact the economic recession has had on poverty levels. It is also eight per cent more than the national average.

One in four young adults who are the main providers in their home are unemployed and more than a quarter that do work are on a temporary contract.

A quarter of young adults also have problems paying their mortgage or rental, water and electricity bills at the end of each month.

While young adults are the most affected; those younger than 16-years of age are the second most affected. Nearly a quarter are at risk of poverty, three per cent more than the national average. Elderly people have also been severely affected with one in three living in poverty.

However the economic crisis has reduced the risk of poverty among this group of the population due to favourable pensions guaranteed by law.

Another group of the population that has been affected the most is women, who are more than twice as likely as men to be at risk of poverty.

Overall, a fifth of the Valencia population is in a state of poverty.

In addition to the statistics, the report proposes initiatives to improve the situation.