Sustain response to Local welfare provision consultation

At Sustain we see that discrete funding specifically for Local Welfare provision is critical to help the most needy and vulnerable. We are particularly concerned that any reduction in this funding will lead to further increases in an already escalating food poverty crisis. The funding for Local welfare provision provides a safety net that keeps families from having to make the difficult decision to prioritise rent, heating or other bills over food. Over the long run, not having reliable, consistent access to proper nutrition is especially damaging to children's physical and mental health, school performance and future economic prosperity. Without this safety net, people in food poverty have to rely on patchy and inadequate hand-outs from local charities who are poorly equipped to meet this growing demand.

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