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National polling research

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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

Recent polling conducted by YouGov and Christians Against Poverty in December 2024 took a closer look at the interaction between debt, poverty and living standards and highlighted the impact of financial difficulty.

21% 
of UK adults have a deficit budget 
18% 
of UK adults have debt that they are struggling to repay 
A person with a fuzzy squizzle next to their head, representing thoughts, emotions, or mental health.
33% 
of UK adults have daily anxiety about their finances 
26% 
of UK adults are not currently receiving debt advice but they say they would find it helpful 
14% 
of UK adults say that financial difficulty has made their mental health worse. 
A bowl of hot food
38% 
Of those who reported facing financial hardship cited the high cost of essential items, as a primary cause 

Previous national polling

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
URGENT: welfare cuts response
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