Budget may plunge more Britons into food poverty
Today's budget announcement could plunge worrying numbers of Britons into food poverty. While millions of workers will benefit from a much needed pay raise, the tax credit changes threaten the economic security of working families, who rely on tax credits to top up their wages.
Hannah Laurison, from Sustain, explained “We welcome the responsibility shifting to business rather than government and tax payers propping up poor wages. However, the proposed national living wage, is not really a living wage but rather a welcome increase to the minimum wage. For many there will be a gulf between their slightly higher wages and the loss of income from tax credit changes. The freeze on working age tax credits will leave many with inadequate income to cover basic necessities, including food. The budget changes are particularly troubling for families with children, as increased wages are not tied to the additional costs of raising children. Given what we know about the long-term health and education outcomes associated with growing up in poverty, this policy seems particularly short-sighted.”
Data from the EU suggests that as many as 5.5 million Britons are already at risk of food poverty. The budget announcement will create a bleaker picture for many without relief in sight. 30 UK cities have warned that food poverty cannot be solved by charity, calling for urgent Government action to ensure that everyone can provide adequate food for their families. Sustain campaigns for commitment to alleviate food poverty.
Published Wednesday 8 July 2015
Food Poverty: Millions of people in the UK struggle to get enough to eat. We’re working to change that through people-powered projects and campaigns that tackle the root causes of food poverty and ensure everyone has dignified access to healthy, affordable food.
