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The Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF) issued a wide-ranging report on poverty in the UK earlier this year, using a range of data sources and insights to build up a comprehensive picture of the current state of poverty across the nation. The report UK Poverty 2024 highlights that more than 1 in 5 people were living in poverty in 2021/22 including:

‍> 4.2 million children (30%)

‍> 2.1 million pensioners (16%).

Before 1979, levels of poverty were broadly flat at around 14%, however, during the 1980s an unprecedented rise in poverty took place which has not been reversed. Current levels of poverty are around 50% higher than they were in the 1970s with the poorest families – those living in very deep poverty – experiencing an average income that is 59% below the poverty line.

The St Vincent De Paul Society (SVP) have teamed up with CAFOD to produce a range of resources to enable and encourage Catholics to have their voices heard in this year's General Election (date TBC), with material available on a range of topics including the Common Good and the Cost of Living Crisis. A representative of the SVP said: "Since 2022 we have seen a 49% increase in requests for help... this signals a worrying increase in people unable to meet their essential needs. We need better support for the growing numbers of people living in poverty in the UK, including a stronger welfare system that supports people in need."

You can find out more and access the resources on the SVP website.