Counting the Cost: Stories of Catholic Families in England & Wales living through Cost of Living Crisis

Source: Caritas Social Action Network

A new report by the Caritas Social Action Network (CSAN) reveals the harsh reality facing Catholic families across England and Wales throughout the Cost of Living Crisis.

Titled Counting the Cost, the report draws on testimonies from families across parishes, schools, and charities, revealing the difficult daily choices they face between essential needs and highlighting the emotional and spiritual strain this places on family life.

"We hear from families cutting back on essentials, skipping meals, and worrying about the future of their children," said Daisy Inglese, Senior Officer for Policy and Public Affairs at CSAN "Behind the statistics are parents doing their best, but being failed by policies like the two-child cap, which take a further toll on their family, community, and spiritual life."

The report highlights:
• The impact of the two-child limit on Catholic families' ability to provide for their children.
• The role of parishes and Caritas agencies as lifelines for struggling families.
• How economic pressures affect faith practice, family formation, and community participation.

Rooted in Catholic Social Teaching, Counting the Cost calls for a renewed national commitment to the dignity of every family and urges the government to end the two-child cap and prioritise child poverty reduction in the next fiscal year.

Counting the Cost is available to download here: www.csan.org.uk/news/report-launch-counting-the-cost/