The national poverty line of Vietnam is to be raised to 300,000 dong ($18) and 390,000 dong ($23) per capita per month in rural and urban areas respectively to reflect rising inflation. The poverty line is the minimum level of income considered necessary to achieve an adequate standard of living. The new figures were formulated following consultations between the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs and the Ministry of Planning and Investment and the General Statistics Office. The rural and urban poverty line currently stands at 200,000 dong ($12) and 260,000 dong ($15) monthly per capita in rural and urban areas and was introduced in 2005. It takes into account basic daily food needs and the cost of clothing and accommodation, health care, education. travel and social communication. Of a family's total income, 40 per cent is calculated to go on food.