A children's charity has reported that more than a million children the UK live in 'Bed poverty'. This means they have no bed their own to sleep . They either sleep the floor or share a bed with parents or siblings. The charity, Barnardo's, said bed poverty is a result people becoming poorer. The cost of living has greatly increased the UK. Rising food prices and higher gas and electricity bills mean people low incomes cannot afford basic items. Barnardo's said many families, a bed is now a "luxury" item. It said 700,000 children are sharing beds, while 440,000 children sleep on the floor. This makes children tired, so it is difficult for them to concentrate school.
Lynn Perry, the CEO of Barnardo's, said bed poverty was just one sign that many people Britain are struggling. She said: "Bed poverty is just one aspect child poverty." She added that it highlights the painful challenges that many parents face. She said parents do not have enough money "to afford the essentials needed to raise happy and healthy children". She said: "Families crisis are having to prioritise essentials such as food, heating and electricity over things replacing mouldy bedding or fixing a rotten or broken bed." Ms Perry warned that bed poverty is affecting children's mental health. She called the government to take "urgent action to address these deep-rooted issues".
