I was pleased to drop in at Belper’s Food and Community Hub again recently. They run a great service, providing a hot meal and a warm space for people who need it.
I met with staff and residents, some of whom I had helped with some casework issues earlier this year. Citizen’s Advice volunteers were also on hand to provide assistance, and I have been happy to support them with their great work.
While they do amazing work, it is sad that food banks are needed. Since 2010, the number of food banks has massively increased – a terrible legacy of the previous government.
One of the steps to reduce poverty the Labour government is taking is the abolition of the two-child benefit cap. This is the right thing to do, morally and financially. No child should be growing up in poverty, which often results in low educational outcomes. Ending the two-child benefit cap will bring over 450,000 children out of poverty, setting them up for the future where they will be healthier, and much more skilled and ready to join and contribute to the workforce.
Hopefully this decision will mean that in future, people won’t be put on a life path that keeps them in poverty and pushes them towards using food banks.