Over 3,000 Swindon households going without food
Swindon Labour has desicrbed the research as “staggering extent of food insecurity as the cost of living crisis deepens”.
Based on research by the Food Foundation, Swindon Labour has said there are 3,193 houses going hungry, in what it describes as the “staggering extent of food insecurity as the Conservative cost of living crisis deepens”.
The figures come amid a rising cost of living crsis, with energy prices set to rise by £693, and a planned rise in National Insurance from April.
Labour also says that 4,878 households in Swindon are not eating even when hungry because they cannot afford to eat, that 7,805 housholds in Swindon are eating smaller meals or have skipped eating because they cannot afford food.
An incoming council tax increase of 2.99 per cent each year for the next three years will also see costs rise, and Swindon Food Collective said it expects “more and more” people to use its service after an “exceptional year” in 2021.
In 2021, the collective provided 78,610 meals to 7,468 people. The food donations amounted to 91.6 tonnes being sorted through the warehouse and 99.4 tonnes of food distributed to those in need, It shows a sharp increase on 2020 when 83.8 tonnes were distributed.
Labour leader councillor Jim Grant said: “The cost of living crisis is spiralling out of control, yet instead of offering the support families in Swindon need, the Conservatives are wasting our money and raising our taxes – just when we can least afford it.
“3,193 families in Swindon are now having to go more than a day without food – many more aren’t able to eat when they are hungry because they simply cannot make ends meet.”
Conservative coun and cabinet member for levelling up Tim Swinyard says that the council is aware that a number of residents are facing a difficult time, and is continuing to provide help through the Emergency Assistance funding which is available to low income households in crisis.
Council tax support is also available to reduce the Council Tax bills of low income households.
Councillor Tim Swinyard added: “We all want a society where food security is high, no one goes hungry and food banks are no longer required.
“The Warm & Safe Wiltshire advice service is our main source of support for residents struggling with their fuel bills. There are energy saving measures for eligible households available through the Energy Company Obligation scheme and also the Swindon and Wiltshire LAD scheme which SBC Comms have been promoting via the council’s social media channels.”
“I am keen to drive forward The Feeding Swindon Partnership that will work together to address issues around Food Poverty using the combined expertise, knowledge, vision, inspiration, activities and efforts of organisations and groups in the town.”