A single person now needs a minimum yearly income of £14,400 (before tax) to afford an acceptable standard of living, says the Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF).

A couple with two children, require £29,200 per year.

These figures, which form part of the charity's yearly minimum income survey, show an increase of 3-4 per cent in the cost of a minimum household budget in the year to April 2010, compared with last year's figures.

Over the past 10 years, according to the JRF, the minimum budget required for a decent standard of living has increased by 38 per cent, despite general inflation of only 23 per cent.

The rising cost of food (up 37 per cent), public transport (buses are up by 59 per cent) and other essentials have been blamed by the charity for this increase.

The implication of this is that an individual who in 2000 could afford a sample basket of goods and services, and whose income rose in line with inflation, would now find themselves £19 short for the same basket of goods.

The JRF stresses that its minimum income calculation does not only include the amount required for an individual to survive, but also allows for participation in society.

Julia Unwin, chief executive of the charity, says: 'This research shows what ordinary members of the public think is needed not just to survive, but to take part in society.

'It provides powerful evidence for the new government to use as they develop policies to deal with poverty.'

In compiling the basket of goods and services, the JRF asks a number of focus groups what they feel should be included.

This year's findings show, despite the recession, people's tastes have changed very little - they still think a basic budget for going out should be included, as well as a budget for a week's holiday away each year, although not abroad.

Internet access in the home was also deemed a necessity, to allow people to participate fully in society.