Living standards for low income families have worsened since the summer amid the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, according to the findings of a new report by the Church of England Child Poverty Action Group. The Bishop of Durham, Paul Butler, writes about how urgent action is needed to tackle poverty and destitution.<\/p>\n
At times like this, when nearly everyone is struggling in some way, it is tempting to turn in on ourselves, as individuals and as a nation. We saw this during the first lockdown when people stock-piled essential supplies and in the recent decision to reduce the UK\u2019s foreign aid budget.<\/p>\n
Fortunately, though, the overwhelming response to the pandemic has been to reach out generously to those in need through the spontaneous emergence of local mutual aid schemes across the country, alongside countless everyday acts of kindness and neighbourliness.<\/p>\n
The call to \u2018remember the poor\u2019 runs through the Bible. The \u2018Poverty in the Pandemic\u2019 report that we are publishing today with the Child Poverty Action Group is a modern-day call to remember the poor. Based on a survey of nearly 700 low-income families with children, it offers a stark insight into the experiences of these families, many of whom have seen their lives turned upside down by the pandemic. This year has been a difficult one for many of us, but these challenges are a lot harder when you are short of money.<\/p>\n
Sudden loss of earnings, increased living costs, navigating a complex benefits system, falling into debt – these are just some of the challenges facing families during the crisis. Financial worries are adding considerably to the pressures on families, pushing many of them to breaking point….<\/p>\n
Read it all<\/a>.<\/p>\n 'The overwhelming response to the pandemic has been to reach out generously to those in need.' Bishop of Durham Paul Butler writes about how urgent action is needed to tackle poverty and destitution. 👇https:\/\/t.co\/mEvmBb0S3A<\/a><\/p>\n — The Church of England (@churchofengland) December 14, 2020<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n \n
– @BishopPaulB<\/a><\/p>\n