Collection

Below Average Resources statistics

These statistical releases are part of DWP's work to develop a new poverty measure named ‘Below Average Resources’ (BAR).

We will review the impact of the changes to the Family Resources Survey and Households Below Average Income statistics before producing further updates to the Below Average Resources Official Statistics in Development. For more information see the Family Resources Survey release strategy.

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is developing a new poverty measure called ‘Below Average Resources’ (BAR). This measure is based on the approach proposed by the Social Metrics Commission (SMC).

The SMC approach provides a more expansive view of available resources (both savings and inescapable costs) than the income measurement adopted under the existing Households Below Average Income (HBAI) publication, and also proposes some methodological changes.

Latest release and consultation response

The latest release of statistics includes a response to the consultation on developing a new poverty measure.

First release and consultation

The first release of statistics included a consultation on developing a new poverty measure.

Updates to this page

Published 23 January 2025
Last updated 29 January 2026 show all updates
  1. Added information about a review of the impact of the changes to the Family Resources Survey and Households Below Average Income statistics before producing further updates to the Below Average Resources Official Statistics in Development.

  2. First published.