In one of the most significant structural developments in UK Christian social action in a generation, Christians Against Poverty (CAP) and Community Money Advice (CMA) have announced they are uniting to form the country's largest specialist community-based debt advice charity. The announcement, made on 24 March 2026 following Debt Awareness Week, marks the culmination of 30 years of parallel work by two organisations that have long shared a vision: that no one in financial crisis should face it alone.

The combined group will maintain both the CAP and CMA identities while operating under a single structure, with CAP as the parent organisation and CMA as a subsidiary. Together, they will deliver free, regulated debt advice through a network of 380 dedicated centres hosted in local churches and community organisations across the entire UK — supported by more than 1,000 trained debt advisers, mentors, coaches, and volunteers.

The timing could scarcely be more urgent. Government data cited in the announcement indicates that around 8 million adults in the UK are currently trapped in crisis levels of debt, with up to a third actively seeking face-to-face, community-based advice. UK poverty has deepened in recent years: the incomes of the lowest 20% of earners have flatlined while the essential costs of food, warmth, shelter, and clothing have escalated sharply, forcing millions into impossible choices between heating their homes or eating.

Stewart McCulloch, CEO of CAP and incoming CAP Group Chief Executive, described the vision plainly: "Together we have a powerful and united front against debt. We now have over a thousand highly trained debt advisors, mentors and coaches based in communities across the UK, dedicated to bringing hope where there was fear, support where there was isolation and the warmth of community into cold homes." Over the last 30 years, more than a quarter of a million people have already benefited from CAP's work alone.

Consumer finance specialist Martin Lewis, founder of MoneySavingExpert.com, offered an endorsement that underlines the organisation's credibility: "Christians Against Poverty has long been a force for good in debt counselling — I get great feedback from people who've used it. It tends to spend far longer with its clients than many other similar agencies, enabling it to help with the emotional fallout as well as the financial practicalities."

For the Church, this merger represents a compelling model of what happens when Christian organisations refuse to compete and choose instead to consolidate around shared mission. The combined charity's commitment to working through local churches — equipping them to deliver financial education, expert debt advice, and holistic support — means that congregations across the UK now have access to a more powerful, better-resourced partner in their community ministry. In a season when the cost-of-living crisis continues to devastate households, the CAP-CMA union is a timely and significant act of hope.