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The Secours Catholique report has just been published. According to the association, poverty is increasing with 69% of households identified by the report “living below the extreme poverty line” in France in 2021, against 66% in 2020.
This is a damning finding. The latest report from Secours Catholique has just been published and the association warns of the situation of the most precarious. According to her, in France, half of the households studied have less than 5 euros per day and per person of “rest to live”.
Housing costs absorb more than half of resources
The expenses that these households have to face are more and more restrictive. And the inflation we are experiencing obviously does not make the situation any easier. “Housing costs absorb more than half of the resources received by the households we meet“says the report. The percentage of families who turn to the association for help with paying their bills has, for its part, increased by two points.
“Food becomes the adjustment variable”
The Secours Catholique estimated the rest for daily living of the households identified at 5 euros. According to Jean Merckaert, director of action and advocacy France at Secours Catholique, interviewed by our colleagues from France Info, “it is estimated that it takes at least 7 euros to even be able to eat. So, with 5 euros, we can’t do it, which means that food is often the adjustment variable“.
Jean Merckaert adds that “in this type of context, when there is no leeway, the slightest gust of wind, the slightest unforeseen event becomes permanent anxiety. For example, the fridge that fails, it’s just not possible“.
A call to public authorities
In its report, the association recalls that it “does not intend to help manage poverty“, but what its purpose is “people get out“and so call”to determined public action to combat poverty and its causes“.
At the microphone of France Info, Jean Merckaert recalls that “although the social minima have been increased by 4%, inflation is 6.5%, which means that these households continue to be impoverished“. He therefore calls for the return of “whatever the cost” for the most precarious and for the implementation of aid, such as the energy check, which really targets them.