Social security and debt

North West Poverty Monitor 2026: Social security and debt

Social security data shows us how many people in an area are in receipt of certain benefits. Looking at this data at a local level gives a strong indication of the prevalence of low income, while looking at the number of claimants by benefit type can illustrate the type of households that may be struggling financially and the type of support they need.

Additionally on this page we look at debt. Debt plays a crucial role in determining the nature of poverty and the experience of people on low incomes. Debt can compound poverty and eat into already limited resources.

These bar charts show a snapshot of the number of people who claim council tax support in each local authority in December 2025. 

This map displays the total number of Pension Credit claimants by North West local authority in November 2025. 

This map shows the number of individual insolvencies and the individual insolvency rate (per 10,000 adults) in each North West local authority in 2025. Individual insolvencies occur when people are unable to pay debts and enter formal procedures to resolve debt issues, such as bankruptcy, debt relief orders (DRO) or Individual Voluntary Agreements (IVA). This data captures all three solutions. Specific data on DRO and IVA rates can be found on the next two tabs

This map shows the number of debt relief orders issued and the debt relief order rate (per 10,000 adults) in each North West local authority in 2025. 

Debt relief orders are a means of supporting people deal with personal debts that they cannot pay. You can read more about debt relief orders here. 

This map shows the number of Individual Voluntary Arrangements made and the Individual Voluntary Arrangement rate (per 10,000 adults) in each North West local authority in 2025. 

An Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA) is a legally binding agreement between a debtor and their creditors to repay debts over time. It’s a formal alternative to bankruptcy. You can read more about IVAs here. 

The bar chart depicts the number of individuals seeking debt advice in each North West local authority in 2022. These figures can be used as guidance for the prolific debt found in the North West. 

This page contains maps showing proportion of population on Universal Credit by ward in Greater Manchester, Cheshire & Merseyside and Lancashire & Cumbria.

This page contains maps showing proportion of households with children on Universal Credit in Greater Manchester, Cheshire & Merseyside and Lancashire & Cumbria.

This chart shows the proportion of children known to be eligible for Free School Meals (FSM) by North West local authority in 2025/26. 

Is your organisation based in Greater Manchester? Do you directly help people living in poverty? Use our Money Advice Referral Tool to refer people to the right support and advice.

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