Coventry joins England’s ‘poorest’, according to recent study

Coventry has been ranked as the 16th poorest area in England for 2025, due to the financial struggles that most of its residents face.

A recent study conducted by Fair4All Finance ranked towns and cities based on the number of adults living in “financially vulnerable circumstances”, providing insight into places where households are struggling with rising living costs.

Coventry was one of a few Midlands cities which made the list, coming in at 16th place with 51% of individuals classified as “financially vulnerable”.

Several other Midlands cities also appeared on the list, including Walsall, which ranked 10th, with 52% of its residents struggling with rising living costs. Birmingham, the Midlands’ largest city, ranked higher than Coventry with a rate of 53%.

The report highlighted that many of the poorest areas were concentrated in the Midlands and the north of England, although the town of Harlow in Essex ranked as the poorest in the country. Other financially struggling areas included Sunderland, South Tyneside, and Blackburn with Darwen.

The West Midlands has overall been ranked as the third poorest region  in England, with a rate of poverty constituting 48% – 10% higher than the national average.

Experts warn that millions of British citizens are barely managing and could face collapse with even a minor crisis.

Diane Burridge, director of development at Fair4All Finance, described the findings as a “wake-up call for systemic change”.

“With 38% of the UK adult population now facing financial difficulties, these findings underscore the urgent need for coordinated, system-wide efforts to create a society where financial stability is not a privilege but a minimum standard,” Burridge said.

She added: “Access to cash is critical for millions who rely on it to manage their daily expenses, yet it’s increasingly out of reach for many communities. Beyond cash, we must prioritise improving financial inclusion by ensuring affordable and accessible financial services are available to everyone, especially in underserved areas.”

Burridge urged policymakers, businesses, and financial institutions to collaborate on creating inclusive policies and products that provide people with the tools and resources to build financial resilience.

“Only by addressing these challenges collectively can we build a financial system that truly supports everyone, regardless of their circumstances or location,” she concluded.