Can anyone be absolutely poor in the UK?

Answer 1

I would say no. Anyone of working age and seeking employment is entitled to Job-seekers allowance. Anyone who doesn't qualify on medical grounds is entitled to Incapacity benefit. Someone who has no other income is entitled to Income support. Therefore - no-one can be absolutely poor, as they will always have an income of some sort ! How they choose to spend their benefit is, of course, entirely up to them !