The number of Dutch people living below the poverty line is expected to rise dramatically in the coming years.

The Netherlands Institute for Social Research (SCP) says loss of spending power and the increasing number of unemployed are the main reasons behind the increase. 

So far this year, 70,000 people have fallen below the poverty line, which is defined as a 1,000 euros a month income or less. The SCP predicts an increase of 55,000 people in 2012. 

The total number of people living below the poverty line is expected to grow to more than 1.1 million by the end of 2012. Poverty is most prevalent among single-parent families, single people under 65 and small business owners.

(gsh/rk)

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