At Cambridgeshire ACRE, we wanted to take a moment to reflect on the final report from the Cambridgeshire Poverty Strategy Commission – a landmark piece of work that shines a light on the lived experiences of people in poverty across our county. Commissioned by Cambridgeshire County Council and shaped by a diverse group of commissioners, including those with direct experience of hardship, the report calls for a more coordinated and compassionate response to poverty in all its forms.

 

The Commission’s work highlights the reality that behind every statistic is a person or family facing tough decisions – from choosing between heating and food, to navigating complex systems for the support they need. The report identifies six key areas of focus: income, digital and rural poverty, housing and homelessness, children and young people, and mental health. Importantly, it offers practical, evidence-based recommendations – from co-locating services in trusted community spaces, to simplifying funding processes for frontline support, and investing in long-term strategies like community wealth building.

 

At Cambridgeshire ACRE, we were pleased to support parts of this important work, especially through our Cambridgeshire Community Hubs Network. We welcome the Commission’s emphasis on collaboration, respect and inclusion – principles we know are vital for lasting change. It’s clear that we can’t solve poverty through isolated efforts. We must work together – across sectors, communities and with people at the heart of the solution – to create a fairer, more resilient Cambridgeshire.

 

Read the full report from the Cambridgeshire Poverty Strategy Commission

You can also download Resolve Poverty’s ‘Lived Experience of Poverty in Cambridgeshire’ Research Report