Comparison of the 2012 Poverty Line and the MESL Data MESL Working Paper
Issued: April 2013
Summary
There are a number of approaches that can be used to measure and examine poverty. Measuring poverty helps to identify the extent of and number of people in poverty and also helps to monitor changes in poverty levels. Using data from 2012 the paper examines how the at risk poverty line compares to the data on the cost of a minimum essential standard of living for two specific household types as established by the Vincentian Partnership for Social Justice (VPSJ). The paper highlights that while the two approaches are distinctly different, both measures are useful benchmarks that complement other poverty measures and can be used to assist in the formation of income support policies to tackle poverty and enhance social inclusion.