Picture of Poverty

This week CAP released their new Picture of Poverty report. It shockingly reveals that nearly 1 in 5 adults are in problem debt, which is almost twice as many as two years ago. Furthermore, 1 in 4 of those with children are in such trouble, and 1 in 3 adults are severely stressed about their finances.

Poverty is deepening; in the last five years, inflation has risen by 35%, and even more for essentials. However, the income of the bottom 20% of earners, typical of our clients, has hardly increased at all. This would be bad enough, but in the same period, rates of mental health issues and disabilities have also surged especially amongst the people we serve. The shocking truth is that we are seeing more people in deeper poverty and vulnerability than ever before.

CAP has consistently found that 1 in 5 UK adults live with a deficit budget—their income simply doesn’t cover the cost of essentials. When income falls short, no amount of budgeting can bridge the gap. People are forced into impossible choices: going without essentials, falling into debt, or relying on credit just to survive. Deficit budgets trap people in a vicious cycle of problem debt. Even when supported through a personal insolvency solution by a free FCA-authorised debt advice provider like CAP, many cannot achieve lasting financial stability.

The news isn't all negative. Many of those in the report would like debt support, money management advise, especially for budgeting, or support to help find work. This is why getting the news about CAP out into our communities is vital, to help those already recognising a need for the services that CAP can offer, and also to reach those who have yet to recognise the help they may need.

Isaiah 57:15 (NIV)

For this is what the high and exalted One says— he who lives forever, whose name is holy: 'I live in a high and holy place, but also with the one who is contrite and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite.'

This is why the work of CAP is so important, to share the news of the God who is exalted, but who also lives and works in the lives of the lowly, helping revive flagging spirits and giving strength to those with heavy burdens. Practical debt help may not be enough for the increasing numbers of clients with deficit budgets, but the knowledge of the love of God is a strength and support for the whole of life's journey.

CAP works to help end poverty in the UK, by practical debt help, money coaching and job clubs, through campaigning and awareness and government lobbying and through the community of the church and the love of God.

Please pray for the work of the Ely and District CAP team to get the message of the help that CAP can bring to those in our community who are suffering with the burdens of debt and financial worry.

Pray for our debt coaches and visit team, for the love and support that they bring and especially for the seed of knowledge that there is someone who can provide support and forgiveness for the journey out of debt and beyond.

Pray for all our Ely and District CAP clients, especially for another client debt free this week, for all those who can be supported for a debt free future and for continuing love and care for those facing deficit budgets.

Pray for the new Money Coaching course starting in November, that this will be a chance for those who are feeling financial pressure in our community to learn the skills and knowledge to better manage their finances.