Church and government need to work together to tackle cost of living crisis

The Evangelical Alliance and Christians Against Poverty call on the new prime minister to do more for the poorest households in our society.

In this cost of living crisis thousands of churches across the UK are providing support for their communities in compassionate and creative ways. These efforts are saving lives, but on their own they are not enough to end the crisis; policy change is required too. 

On Wednesday, 2 November, the Evangelical Alliance and Christians Against Poverty will invite government ministers, members of parliament and policymakers to attend The church’s response to the cost of living crisis event in Westminster to learn more about the support churches and organisations are providing at this time.

The evening will also hold a panel discussion and facilitate a conversation between community leaders and policymakers to explore how the two can work better together to end the crisis.

Neither the church nor the government can do this alone, we need each other.

Danny Webster, director of advocacy at the Evangelical Alliance, says: “The church is foundational to our communities across the UK, it cannot replace what is needed from the state, but neither can it be overlooked or ignored. The church reaches places that the government cannot, it is connected in every neighbourhood and it is full of committed and compassionate volunteers.

“The government has to step up and ensure that the burden of caring for those in greatest need is not left to those who also fear their fuel bills will go up. We need government action that tackles poverty, and support for churches and charities to make sure they are able to play their part.”

Director of external affairs at Christians Against Poverty, Gareth McNab, says: “Working with over 700 churches, many of which are providing Warm Welcome Hubs this winter, gives us a unique insight into the needs of communities in crisis. Millions of people in the UK are already sacrificing meals and being pulled into poverty because of rising costs. People need more support to survive over the coming months.

“This is why we are calling on the government not to backtrack on their commitment to uprate benefits in line with inflation, made by the new prime minister when he was chancellor, and to bring this forward from April 2023 to this year. We are also pressing for the government to work with organisations like ours and the Evangelical Alliance to design the support that will follow next April’s Energy Price Guarantee review.”

Earlier this week the Office for National Statistics published its quarterly report, finding that the lowest priced food items in the supermarket have risen by 17% in the last year. There is a worrying and growing trend of more households needing additional food support to provide for their loved ones. Churches and Christian organisations across the UK will continue to provide support but this is not sustainable longer term.

As Rishi Sunak settles into his new role as prime minister and establishes his cabinet to bring economic stability and support households to cope with rising energy prices and inflation, it is vital that his government recognises the vital work of churches to relieve poverty and respond to social needs.

The varied support local churches provide is too invaluable for any government to ignore.