THE York-based Joseph Rowntree Foundation has called for a powerful independent watchdog to hold the Government to account for its record on poverty.

Chief executive Julia Unwin said a 'seismic shift' needed to happen to move from treating the symptoms of poverty to fundamentally tackling its causes.

"The parties’ manifestos are the last chance to stem the rising tide of poverty before 2020," she said, speaking as the foundation published a new report in the run-up to the three main party conferences.

The report, called "A UK without Poverty", said the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) should be required to monitor and forecast levels of poverty.

It said Alan Milburn’s Social Mobility and Child Poverty Commission (SMCPC) should also have its remit extended to hold the Government to account for its record across all age groups.

It claimed successive Government’s attempts to tackle poverty have not been good enough, with overall levels of poverty similar now to what they were 25 years ago.

"This is a waste of human potential, a strain on the public purse, and it means the UK economy does not function as well as it could – child poverty alone costs the country £29 billion a year," claimed a spokesman.

He said one in three children were currently considered to be living in poverty and almost one in four working-age adults were forecast to be in the same position by 2020.

"The ideas contained in JRF’s publication would help to ensure momentum is given to poverty reduction among all age groups, and lock in commitment beyond the life of each parliament," he said.

"Stagnant wages and benefits, the rising cost of essentials and the hollowing out of the labour market means poverty is forecast to rise, prompting JRF’s call for a different approach."

The report said past strategies had focussed too heavily on the tax and benefits system or single policies in isolation.

It said a comprehensive strategy was needed to address four areas: boosting household incomes through higher wages and improving work incentives under Universal Credit,improving people’s life chances by closing the attainment gap in education, preventing people from sliding into poverty, through wider access to advice and relationship support services, and access to essential goods and services and a sufficient supply of affordable housing.