MALG member Christian’s Against Poverty (CAP) has launched its latest Client Report for 2017.
In line with MALG’s aims, this years report celebrates the collaboration between CAP and other organisations, including creditors and referral partners, which makes transformation in people’s lives and circumstances possible. This is explored through one client’s story, which shows how desperate things can get when a combination of mental health and debt lead to destitution, but how holistic support can bring hope and a solution.
It also brings together 1,217 responses from CAP’s annual client survey, alongside other CAP data to highlight the consequences of poverty and debt, as well as the multiple complex needs and deprivation that often come hand in hand with debt, unemployment or addiction
New findings for 2017:
- One in three could not afford to buy a bed, fridge, freezer, washing machine or sofa, so went without at least one of these essential household items
- 45% have been affected by a benefit problem, which contributed to debt problems
- In the last decade, the average level of priority arrears when seeking help has tripled
- 92% did not have any savings to fall back on when entering financial difficulty
- There was a real-terms decrease in the average annual household income of clients seeking help in 2016 compared to 2015, with 63% living below the poverty line
- Low income remains the top reason for debt problems, followed by relationship breakdown and mental ill-health
Read the full report here: capuk.org/clientreport