Coronavirus: Low-income families at ‘breaking point’

A survey by the Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG) and the Church of England has found that nearly nine in 10 families reported a significant deterioration in their living standards because of the pandemic – up from eight in 10 families who responded to a previous survey between May and July 2020.

Nearly six in 10 respondents struggled to meet the costs of three or more basic essentials, with 80 per cent struggling to pay for food, 75 per cent struggling to pay for utilities, and 53 per cent struggling with costs related to children.

Commenting on the Poverty in the Pandemic survey, which was undertaken between May and November, Alison Garnham, chief executive of CPAG, said that far from seeing signs of recovery, they are witnessing a ‘rapid deterioration’ in family finances and ‘gloomy future prospects’, with long-term unemployment likely to hit many more across the UK in the coming months.

She added, ‘This report shows that things are getting worse for low-income families. The mounting financial and health pressures on parents are leading many to breaking point. 

‘For low-income families, Christmas has always been a difficult time. This year will be even worse - worrying about being able to feed their children and keep them warm can transform the festive season into one of fear and anxiety.’