CAP disappointed by lack of new help in Government’s fiscal statement

Paper with budget written on it alongside a calculator and a pen.
Christians Against Poverty’s response to the Government’s fiscal statement on 23 September 2022. 


Responding to the Government’s statement, CAP Senior Policy Manager, Rachel Gregory, said: It is disappointing that there is no new immediate help for people’s household bills in today’s fiscal statement.

The Government restated the support already announced for energy prices and one-off cost of living payments this autumn and winter. CAP welcomed these at the time, but much more is needed as these have not been enough to keep many afloat, especially with prices set to rise further from October.

Today, the Chancellor announced reforms to taxes which will help working households, including bringing forward a 1p cut to the basic income tax rate but not until April 2023, abolishing the top income tax for people earning over £150,000 and cancelling the national insurance increase from November. On the whole CAP’s clients, who tend to be on the lowest incomes, stand to gain very little from these changes, with the highest gains going to those at the top of the income distribution.

The Government also did not act alongside this to ensure help from social security is in line with increasing costs. While there were cuts to stamp duty, there was no help for rapidly rising rents.

It is a deep concern that people in work and receipt of Universal Credit will face stricter conditionality which could leave them vulnerable to sanctions on a scale we haven’t seen for several years. Extreme care needs to be taken in these plans which put people at serious risk of destitution.”

What is CAP asking for?

In response to the statement, CAP is asking for:

  • Further targeted financial support for low income households which takes into account actual energy bills due to family size and need, including for those not in receipt of means-tested benefits.

  • Increase Local Housing Allowance and uprate benefits ahead Winter 2023 to reflect the inflation rate faced by low income households across the essentials they need

  • A winter ban on energy companies forcibly switching customers to prepayment meters, including smart prepay, and a moratorium on court action to collect debts

Importantly, CAP is also urging people who are struggling with debt not to ignore it, but to get in contact for free debt help on 0800 328 0006 or visit capuk.org. You can also find out more about CAP through their social media channels by searching Christians Against Poverty’.

Journalists

Christians Against Poverty (CAP) is a UK charity determined to reduce poverty by delivering free debt help, money management education, life skills courses and job clubs, all through local churches. Find out more about CAP at capuk.org/about-us.

CAP is committed to its services being available to all individuals regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation.

CAP Senior PR Officer, Joe Beardsall: [email protected] , 07449 113182.

CAP PR Manager, Susan Littlemore: [email protected], 07449 167058.

PR team: [email protected]