London poverty ‘shocking’ – claim

A total of 2.6 million adults who live in London (29% of the total) don’t have enough to live on.

This is one of a number of shocking statistics revealed by Christians Against Poverty (CAP) during Challenge Poverty Week. Many of CAP’s clients currently have a deficit budget, meaning their income doesn’t cover their basic essentials. On average they are £273 a month short of what they need to cover basics such as food, energy bills and rent. The situation is set to worsen as winter looms.

CAP’s Area Manager, Nicola Routledge, says: ‘Poverty is getting worse and the problem is often hidden behind closed doors. Individuals and families across London have empty fridges and are going hungry and keeping their curtains closed out of fear of debt collectors.