New report shows poorest suffering more under UK's 'economic recovery'

Church Action on Poverty responded to the publication today of a major new report on poverty in the UK by calling on politicians to do more to build a fair society.

'Monitoring Poverty and Social Exclusion 2014', from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, shows an alarming reality which is far removed from politicians' claims of an economic recovery. Many people are still not benefiting from that 'recovery' - 
work is insecure, wages are not enough to make ends meet, and the housing market has a negative impact on people in poverty. People on the lowest incomes have paid a higher price for austerity as policy decisions, changes in the labour market and cuts have hit them harder. Gains made in the past are now at risk of being lost.

Church Action on Poverty's Communications Manager Liam Purcell commented: "All of the findings of this definitive report are familiar to us at Church Action on Poverty. Churches are at the front line in communities, standing alongside people who have been left destitute by benefit changes, trapped on poverty wages, or struggling with massive increases in the cost of living.

"This is a reminder that 'economic recovery' means nothing if it doesn't benefit the poorest and most vulnerable. We urgently need to start working together to build a good society, with dignity and secure livelihoods for all, and enough homes for all to flourish. As the General Election approaches, we must talk about how we can make that vision a reality."
Church Action on Poverty is an independent ecumenical charity.

For more information see: www.church-poverty.org.uk
To find out more about the Joseph Rowntree Foundation see: www.jrf.org.uk
The full report, Monitoring Poverty and Social Exclusion 2014, by the New Policy Institute (NPI), is available to download for free here: www.jrf.org.uk