UK's 'economic recovery' is not helping millions in dire poverty warns Catholic Church

Helen O'Brien

Responding to the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement today, Caritas Social Action Network (CSAN) the social action arm of the Catholic Church in England and Wales, has warned that despite some signs of economic recovery, “the poor are being left behind” as poverty levels continue to soar and inequality is growing each month - with 350,000 people relying on foodbanks and 5,500 in hospital with malnutrition.

Helen O’Brien, Chief Executive of CSAN commented: “The poor are being left behind in this recovery. While we are seeing some economic growth, we are also witnessing soaring levels of poverty and hunger in the UK.”

“With 3.5 million children living in poverty, with almost 350,000 people resorting to foodbanks and last week’s shocking revelation that 5,500 people have been admitted to hospital for malnutrition, addressing poverty and hunger must be a social and political priority”

“Catholic charities are witnessing increased demand for their services, with more and more families struggling to meet even the basic costs of living.”

“Whilst we welcome the Government’s announcement today that Free School Meals will be extended, we have real concerns that in the context of benefit cuts and stagnating wages poorer families are being left worse off than ever”

In a powerful statement on domestic poverty just last month, the Catholic Bishops’ of England and Wales said: “The divisive nature of poverty threatens the fabric of our society. Widening economic inequality corrodes the common good and further steps are needed both to curb unjustifiably high pay, and to promote a living wage for all in work.”

Source: CSAN