THE number of people in the UK being quoted in the media as being in poverty is up to 13 million. That is more than one fifth of the population.

Looking at pictures of Hungate and York in general 100 years ago in our paper’s regular feature, apart from the well-heeled and civic leaders, no one was even plump, never mind obese. If you are regularly hungry or homeless, then and only then can you be said to be in poverty.

“Figures show link between poverty and obesity in youngsters” (The Press, January 30) is a contradiction. If not having a mobile phone or the latest trainers is being in poverty, then I own up to being an impoverished church mouse.

Some common sense needs to be introduced into the debate about those less well off, rather than the false sensational claims being made.

Geoff Robb, Hunters Close, Dunnington.