9 million in UK skip meals to get by

A Christian anti-debt charity has highlighted the millions of UK households struggling financially as a result of the cost-of-living crisis, as Rishi Sunak declares UK inflation is back to "normal."

The government is celebrating a “major milestone” for the UK’s economy as official figures show the UK's rate of inflation hit its lowest level in nearly three years.

Consumer Prices Index (CPI) inflation fell from 3.2 per cent in March to 2.3 per cent in April, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

It is the lowest level since July 2021 when inflation was recorded at 2 per cent.

Speaking in Downing Street, the Prime Minister acknowledged there is "more work to do", but said the figures give hope for “brighter days ahead.”

The recent drop in price rises is mainly driven by falling energy prices, but most experts predict an even sharper slowdown.

But, a new report from Christians Against Poverty has revealed the toll that years of rising costs has taken on its new clients, with nearly 60 per cent living on incomes below the poverty line.

The study showed almost three in five borrowed money to pay for food, clothing and other living costs while one in seven have skipped meals.

CAP's CEO, Stewart McCulloch said that just one significant life event such as an illness or job loss can lead people “spiralling” into debt and poverty.

“There is probably about 20 million who are not heating their homes properly and 9 million people who are skipping meals to save money,” he added.

McCulloch explains that two years of high costs have left many low-income households across the UK trapped in debt and poverty.

The charity, which provides free debt advice were able to help 18 per cent more people go debt free in 2023 and seeks to double that percentage this year.

CAP has called on the UK Government to review social security against the Minimum Income Standard and to make the legal minimum wage the same level as the Real Living Wage.

Businesses have also been encouraged to pay the Real Living Wage to employees to ensure they can “make ends meet.”