Rachael Maskell MP for York Central met with representatives from the Trussell York Foodbank and Collective Sharehouse in Westminster after they visited for a ‘Guarantee Our Essentials’ lobby day,
The Foodbank network aim to turn the tide of hardship facing our communities in York and put in place an Essentials Guarantee.
Trussell and Joseph Rowntree Foundation research shows that right now, around five in six low-income households receiving Universal Credit are going without essentials such as food and household bills.
Following the meeting, Ms Maskell asked a question in the House of Commons about the continued rise in foodbank use and the risk of changes in social security that could place even greater demands on the voluntary and charitable sector to provide emergency support.
Rachael Maskell MP says:
“People are being left with no option but to use food banks and everyone’s circumstances can change. Currently, around five in six of low-income households receiving Universal Credit are going without essentials.
“I’ve seen the incredible work of York’s foodbanks and know the impact they have on the people who need their support. But it doesn’t have to be this way, surely in the 6th wealthiest country in the world, we can guarantee that everyone can afford a home, the bills and food.
“I’m concerned about changes to social security, and raised this with the Government in the House of Commons this week. We can and must do better, raising wages, capping rents and supporting those who need it the most.”
Adam Raffell, Manager York Foodbank says:
“Trussell Foodbanks across the country distributed 2.9 million food packages last year. Here in York, referrals for emergency food have doubled compared with pre-2020 and remain unsustainably high.
“The Essentials Guarantee is a call to address this by having Universal Credit levels set independently, with reference to the cost of essential living.
“We are immensely grateful to all those who generously support Foodbanks in York. At the same time, it’s not right that so many are being forced to turn to foodbanks, and we believe a social safety net which successfully protects people from hunger and hardship is ultimately achievable.
“I’d like to thank Rachael Maskell for her efforts to highlight the realities we are facing in Parliament.”
David Rowsell, Chair, The Collective Sharehouse says:
“Thank you to Rachael for hosting us at the House of Commons. It was a very real privilege for us to take the voices of our Collective Sharehouse clients, volunteers and partners to a place where policy can be influenced.
“All of us connected with The Sharehouse are acutely aware of the need to build community capacity and end foodbank use, while continuing to support each other to grow and thrive.
“Our government has a unique opportunity to support this endeavour, and the Essentials Guarantee movement is a great vehicle to drive this vital change.”
This story appeared in York Press here