Jeremy Hunt’s last-minute household support fund reprieve is too little, too late
Following the Spring Budget announcement of a six-month extension for the household support fund the feeling of relief was short-lived
Following the Spring Budget announcement of a six-month extension for the household support fund (HSF), the feeling of relief was short-lived amongst anti-poverty campaigners.
Yes, the chancellor had ‘listened’ to the Joseph Rowntree Foundation and the Trussell Trust amongst a legion of other anti-poverty organisations, MPs, and English local authorities just as time was running out. But the outcome of his engagement stopped far short of what is needed. This time-limited funding pot, however vital, is ultimately a drop in the ocean when it comes to the UK’s poverty crisis.
IFAN’s latest data collated from independent food banks operating across the UK certainly makes a compelling case for decisive action to increase people’s incomes while reducing the pressure on frontline teams. The rise in need for food banks is unprecedented year after year. Yet again, IFAN food banks are warning that they do not necessarily have the capacity to cope with more households requiring support. Food bank managers have made clear that financial resources are running dry, volunteers are unable to cope with constant pressure, and depleted donations and surplus food supplies are reducing the size of parcels they can provide.