National polling research

Aerial view of tower bridge in London and the river Thames.
View our latest research revealing the reality of poverty. 

At CAP, we want to see lives transformed and free from debt, and an end to poverty in the UK. 

That’s why, as well as providing support through our practical services, we commission research into poverty in the UK to give an insight into the realities that people across the UK face.

Everyone deserves to enjoy life in all its fullness, so we won’t stop until we see an end to poverty in the UK.

What is national polling?

We ask questions to a representative sample of the UK population (usually around 2,000 adults). The questions might include topics around a person’s experience of debt and poverty or an opinion on a relevant subject.

How we use our polling data

We commission multiple rounds of polling each year. Each round of polling has a different focus, but each round generates insights into the current realities of poverty. 

Using this data alongside the experiences our clients are facing and information from our services, we’re able to see a thorough picture of the reality of poverty in the UK. We can speak confidently about the steps needed to address the drivers of debt and poverty and inform decision-makers of the changes that could help address the systems and structures trapping people in poverty.

Latest polling

Latest polling commissioned by CAP and conducted by Opinium in April 2026 analysed the current realities of financial exclusion across the UK. 

To explore the realities of financial exclusion people across the UK face, this briefing pulls together insights from national polling of 2,000 UK adults on their experience of financial resilience, savings, credit, debt, access to insurance, and financial education.

35% 
of UK adults say they have never been taught how to manage money 
Broken heart icon
35% 
of UK adults worry about their finances every day 
A green icon of a wallet with a pound coin next to it.
27% 
of UK adults report having less than £1,000 in savings 
A coin with a cross over it
36% 
of UK adults report having personal debt (excluding mortgage or student loan) 
11% 
of UK adults report having gone without electricity or gas at least weekly to save money over the past 12 months 
14% 
of UK adults say they are not confident they would be able to afford an unexpected cost of £200

Previous national polling

Financial inclusion

April 2026

View our polling insights

Barriers to work

February 2026

View our polling insights

Picture of poverty

September 2025

View our polling insights

Drivers of Poverty

September 2025

View our polling insights

Child poverty

December 2024

View our polling insights

In-person debt advice

December 2024

View our polling insights

The inequality of poverty

December 2024

View our polling insights

Employment

December 2024

View our polling insights

Deficit budgets: The cost to stay alive

July 2024

Read our full report

A deeper dive into the impact of the rising cost of living

September 2023

View our polling insights

The looming debt crisis blog.

Two thirds of local communities see an increase in poverty

March 2023

Poverty must end blog.

The storm and the sinking boats blog.

The stark statistics behind the cost of living crisis

September 2022

Polling insights blog.

Find out how we’re working behind the scenes to see an end to UK poverty.

Learn more