CCR2 Vulnerability
Life in lockdown
Financial difficulties are being exacerbated by the wider economic conditions, and will continue to be
Jonathan Shaw Creditor relationship manager, Christians Against Poverty
2020 was the year our lives changed drastically. In just seven months, the world became a place that was no longer recognisable. As we emerge from lockdown and as restrictions lift, we are all starting to learn what it is like to live in the ‘new normal’. While we collectively experienced a
nationwide lockdown, the reality of living through lockdown was far from an identical experience. From quality of housing to unstable incomes, isolation to mental ill- health, many of the UK’s poorest have struggled with life in lockdown. Coronavirus has not been ‘the great leveller’ many forecast it would be. In fact, in many cases it has exacerbated poverty and continues to do so. In a briefing, Life in lockdown, looking at
the impact of coronavirus on our clients between March and May, we found that many people have struggled both financially and socially.
Many household incomes have been
impacted. Some people have had to live off 80% of their wage, and others have lost their jobs completely. Although a small number overall, around twice the proportion of clients experienced a drop in their income in April 2020 compared to April 2019. This increase was driven by a higher number of people in employment experiencing income shocks. The average income shock was also
greater for those affected in April 2020 compared to the same period last year, especially for CAP clients who had started the month in employment. With people at home for longer periods
and children not in school, household costs also rose. Many families living on a financial knife edge are still struggling to meet these increased costs. The average income of clients after housing costs is £12,579, compared to the national average of £23,304.
From quality of housing to unstable incomes, isolation to mental ill- health, many of the UK’s poorest have struggled with life in lockdown. Coronavirus has not been ‘the great leveller’ many forecast it would be
So, the costs of boiling the kettle regularly,
charging devices more frequently, consuming more food at home or heating the house for longer periods, are all adding to household expenses. Those entitled to free school meals are receiving vouchers, but some have reported difficulties redeeming these and travelling to supermarkets. One client, Georgia, said: “The electric is
horrendous – because you have got to do homework online and because they are on the xbox or gadgets because they are bored – that is extra money on the electric. “For the three kids, I get free school meal
vouchers of £180 every two weeks. I cannot divide the voucher – I have to spend it in one place. Morrisons is cheaper, but they do not accept vouchers of more than £100, I could not go there.” Online access has been a crutch for many
in lockdown; helping people stay connected, supporting children with their school work or ordering groceries online, to name a few. Yet a significant proportion of our clients were unable to benefit from this. Being in poverty is a key indicator of digital exclusion; almost half of those with
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www.CCRMagazine.com August 2020
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