Christians Against Poverty warns that nearly a quarter of people would not be able to pay an unexpected bill of £200.
A new survey from Christians Against Poverty suggests that nearly one in four adults would not be able to afford an unexpected £200 bill. The survey, commissioned by the charity in July, found that 23 per cent of people could not afford an unanticipated cost for that amount with 28 per cent of adults saying the rise in the cost of living has made them feel financially insecure.
The same proportion of adults surveyed across the UK said they are finding keeping up with bills and credit commitments a heavy burden and nine per cent now have debts that they do not know how they will repay. CAP's director of external affairs Gareth McNab said: "Millions of households in the UK are facing a devastating debt crisis right now. At Christians Against Poverty, we are supporting increasing numbers of people who have had to borrow money just to pay for essentials, like food, bills and energy.” He continued: “Income is just so low for many that a financial shock like a car issue or the boiler breaking can leave them facing spiralling debts. We all deserve to have an income that provides us with at least the essentials, yet for many right now inadequate levels of social security and low wages are leading to more debt and poverty, and all the worries and challenges that come with that." CAP said one of its clients started to struggle with debt after a difficult pregnancy, leaving her unable to return to work. An unexpected car breakdown also added to her family's financial strain. She told the charity: "We were just about ticking over, but we had to take out a credit card because the car blew up and we needed to buy another car. It was a very difficult time for all of us and it was not easy going down to one wage with a new baby and a nine-year-old son." She received help from CAP and is now debt free after successfully using a repayment plan and budgeting, the charity said. Top Money Stories Today CAP is calling for a UK-wide strategy to ensure that every person and household across the country is receiving all the social security benefits to which they and their families are entitled. It said it also wants to see clear manifesto commitments to ending poverty by ensuring that incomes are "liveable" on, by reviewing the rates of social security and wages against minimum standards. It should also be ensured when debts are deducted from benefits that there is still enough for people to live on, the charity said. More than 2,000 people across the UK were surveyed by YouGov for the research. A Government spokesperson said: "We know people are struggling which is why we're bearing down on inflation and providing record financial support worth an average £3,300 per household. On top of this we have raised benefits - including Universal Credit - by 10.1 per cent, increased the National Living Wage and have extended the Household Support Fund to help families with food, energy and other essential costs.”Financial help in Scotland Who should check for unclaimed benefits or discounts? There is a wide range of benefits and payments available people of every age should check for.How to check eligibility for benefits or payments The quickest way to check is to use an online confidential benefits calculator - there’s even one that checks eligibility for devolved benefits. Below is everything you need to know about benefits calculators including what they check for and how to use them. What is an online benefits calculator? Online benefit calculators quickly work out if you are missing out on any benefits and best of all, they are completely free, independent and confidential to use - so there’s nothing to lose. In just a few minutes you could find out how much you may be able to claim in extra support, just by entering details about yourself, your residential status, your working status and any savings you have.Latest Benefits News Where to find help Advice Direct Scotland This online tool is the first to fully integrate devolved benefits, including the Scottish Child Payment. It provides a free and impartial assessment of entitlement to a range of benefits such as Universal Credit, crisis grants and support payments. Turn2us Information on income-related benefits, Tax Credits, Council Tax Reduction, Carer’s Allowance, Universal Credit and how your benefits will be affected if you start work or change your working hours. Policy in Practice Information on income-related benefits, Tax Credits, contribution-based benefits, Council Tax Reduction, Carer’s Allowance, Universal Credit, how these are calculated and how your benefits will be affected if you start work or change your working hours. entitledto Information on income-related benefits, Tax Credits, contribution-based benefits, Council Tax Reduction, Carer’s Allowance, Universal Credit and how your benefits will be affected if you start work. Get the latest Record Money news Join the conversation on our Money Saving Scotland Facebook group for energy and money-saving tips, the latest benefits news, consumer help and advice on coping with the cost of living crisis. Sign up to our Record Money newsletter and get the top stories sent to your inbox daily from Monday to Friday, including a special cost of living edition on a Thursday - sign up here.What you will need You will need accurate information about your:
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