Bridgend Council to Support Essentials Campaign as Foodbank Usage Rises
The Bridgend County Borough Council has recently thrown its weight behind an essentials guarantee campaign that aims to address the rising usage of foodbanks due to financial struggles faced by many individuals. The campaign advocates for the Universal Credit system to be adjusted to ensure that all recipients can comfortably afford life’s essentials. This motion was unanimously passed during a council meeting on March 12, shedding light on the pressing need for welfare system reform to prevent people from resorting to food parcels in order to survive.
Councillor Jane Gebbie, the deputy leader of the council, shared a poignant account during the meeting about a local resident who, despite holding down two jobs in the service industry, found it necessary to rely on food aid to feed her children due to financial constraints. This narrative underscored the stark reality faced by many families in Bridgend, prompting a call for action to address the escalating demand for emergency food parcels. In 2023-24, the Bridgend Foodbank distributed over 8,000 parcels, marking a substantial 21% increase compared to figures from 2018-19.
Councillor Gebbie urged fellow council members to throw their support behind the campaign spearheaded by Trussell, the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, and Bridgend Foodbank, emphasising the importance of advocating for a social security system that guarantees access to essential provisions. She urged leaders to engage with local MPs, as well as the chancellor and the secretary of the Department for Work and Pensions, to champion this cause. Councillor Ross Penhale-Thomas of Maesteg West echoed these sentiments, stressing the moral imperative of ensuring that no individual in the UK is deprived of basic necessities.
A spokesperson from Bridgend Foodbank highlighted the alarming statistic that the majority of low-income households supported by Universal Credit across the UK struggle to afford essentials such as food, bills, and toiletries. The Essentials Guarantee campaign, spearheaded by Trussell and the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, seeks to compel the UK Government to recalibrate social security provisions to eliminate the necessity for individuals to turn to food banks for sustenance.
Subsequently, a motion endorsing the campaign garnered unanimous approval from council members present at the meeting. An amendment was proposed by Councillor Steven Bletsoe of Bridgend Central, urging the council to also petition the Welsh Government in addition to the UK Government. This collaborative effort underscores the council’s commitment to addressing the root causes of food insecurity and financial hardship within the community.
The motion signals a critical step towards raising awareness about the challenges faced by vulnerable individuals and families in Bridgend. By advocating for systemic changes to bolster the financial stability of households, the council is taking proactive measures to support those most in need. This united front in tackling food poverty reflects a collective commitment to upholding the dignity and well-being of all residents, ensuring that no family in Bridgend or across the UK must go without essential resources for a dignified life.