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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

Recent polling conducted by Opinium and Christians Against Poverty in August-September 2025 took a closer look at the interaction between debt, poverty and living standards and highlighted the impact of financial difficulty.

18% 
of UK adults have a deficit budget 
17% 
of UK adults report having debt that they are struggling to repay (excluding student loans or mortgages) 
A person with a fuzzy squizzle next to their head, representing thoughts, emotions, or mental health.
28% 
of UK adults have daily anxiety about their finances 
28% 
of UK adults say they are currently not receiving debt advice but would find it helpful 
14% 
of UK adults have lost sleep worrying about their finances at least once a week in the past year due to financial challenges 
A bowl of hot food
12% 
of UK adults have skipped a meal to save money at least once a week in the past year because of financial challenges 

Previous national polling

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

Some struggles are invisible

Find out more

Face-to-face, ongoing support is essential