Our Background

The history of UKCAP and its different incarnations shows not only its changing structures, but also the many people who have played different roles in combating poverty in the UK.

That mutual support and cooperation has enabled UKCAP to be where it is today. After the UK Government signed the Declaration and Programme of Action at the World Summit on Social Development in March 1995, the UK Coalition Against Poverty (UKCAP) was formed. This was a broad alliance bringing together people living in poverty alongside voluntary organisations, local authorities, faith-based organisations and grassroots groups.

We were reformed in May 2003 after successfully receiving a 3 year grant from the Community Fund, with support from many anti poverty organisations across the UK. In 2006 this grant was extended for a further 3 years.

UKCAP exists to enable people who experience poverty in the UK to play an active part in the development of sustainable national policies for the eradication of poverty.