The word poverty being used to gain power by the Labour party against the Conservatives. I could be in poverty if I smoked, gambled and lived beyond my means. Some may think I am rich because I am a member of a gym and a golf club. £20 a week covers it, the price of 50 fags. £1 an hour of enjoyable company and exercise. If we compared our living standards to many other countries, there would very few classed as being in poverty.