Rising prices, tax credit freezes, the bedroom tax and the roll-out of Universal Credit have hit families hard

Families are struggling to survive on minimum wage rates as living costs soar.

The Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG) called for an increase in the minimum wages to ensure families have an acceptable standard of living after research showed an 11% dip in income for a couple raising two children.

Rising prices, tax credit freezes, the bedroom tax and the roll-out of Universal Credit have hit families hard says the charity.

Alison Garnham, chief executive of CPAG, called for an increase in the national living wage to allow families to provide a standard of living defined as acceptable by public opinion.

“There is strong public support for government topping up the wages of low-paid parents and investing in children is the best long-term investment we can make,” she said.

“By using the forthcoming budget to unfreeze benefits and restore work allowances, the government can take steps towards making work really pay.”

A government spokeswoman said fewer are living in absolute poverty today and ministers are committed to giving every child the best chance.

“The employment rate is at a near-record high and the national living wage has delivered the highest pay increase for the lowest paid in 20 years, worth £2,000 extra per year for a full-time worker,” she added.