Report summary
Thirty years ago in 1996, CAP was born into a world where a quarter of the UK lived in poverty. Today, the crisis has deepened. Poverty is more severe, and it is increasingly affecting those in employment. This report dives into the complex realities of modern poverty and showcases how local churches, backed by CAP, provide a frontline defence to stop poverty in its tracks.
Poverty stops with us
Since CAP was founded in 1996, we estimate that:
Churches have taken CAP’s resources and expertise to create a tapestry of support across their local area. People left feeling frayed and threadbare by poverty have been stitched into loving communities, where they can thrive and flourish.
Claire Cowles (Head of Strategic and Digital Communications) and Martin Cowles (Head of Impact)
About the research
This report blends existing research from CAP and others in the sector with new research on the experiences of current or recent clients, staff and volunteers. We analysed 511 responses to our 2025 client survey, data on CAP’s debt help management system from 4,165 UK-wide households, and interviews with people who have direct experience of combatting debt and poverty in their community. Combined, they illustrate the realities faced by the people we help.
Download the report
Read the 2026 client report
