London's Poverty Profile, a report by the think tank New Policy Institute and charity Trust for London, has found that poverty is higher in London than in the rest of England for all age groups.

The report finds that on average poverty is a harsher experience for children in particular in the capital, with more youngsters missing out on "everyday" experiences such as having friends over for tea, leisure activities and school trips at least once a term. The statistics show 38% of children in London are in low-income households compared to 30% across the rest of England.

Bharat Mehta, chief executive of Trust for London, said: "The Government has rightly acknowledged the critical importance of investment in the early years of children.”

"However, our research shows that although good progress has been made in education, children in London are experiencing very difficult times. There is an urgent need to address this and the growing unemployment facing young Londoners."

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