Minister of finance slams 'scare-mongering' poverty figures released by charity Cáritas

Cáritas also announced recently that the country is the second-worst in the EU for child poverty, beaten only by Romania and that the number of people living below the breadline in Spain is currently 69.8 per cent higher than in 2007.

Montoro slammed these declarations, saying they are based upon 'anecdotal' evidence and 'statistical measures' and not on hard facts.

“Cáritas' frequent statements on the subject are purely statistical, and when one speaks in these terms, one is referring to an income threshold which makes Spain look worse than other countries with a much lower level of income per capita,” stated Montoro.

He also criticised Cáritas for 'mixing concepts' of poverty, especially in light of the charity's comments that the money the government intended to use to bail out struggling motorway toll companies could instead be used to eradicate poverty.

“Without this bail-out, the funds destined for wiping out poverty would reduce anyway.

“Besides which, cutting down on poverty is achieved through economic growth, employment and social policies,” stormed the minister.

“I do wish Cáritas would stop provoking controversy with its figures.”

However, he concluded by admitting Cáritas carries out an 'absolutely vital social function'.

Cáritas used to focus its efforts on wiping out poverty in the third world, but since the start of the financial crisis, the charity has had its work cut out at home.

Donations and funds raised through extra activities – the only money Cáritas receives – goes towards paying for food parcels for those who can no longer afford to cover their basic needs, and has helped families pay their water and electricity bills where they were facing having these cut off.