Some of the food donations to Lichfield Foodbank
Some of the food donations to Lichfield Foodbank

Volunteers at Lichfield Foodbank have described a meeting with the city’s MP as “positive”.

Michael Fabricant visited the organisation’s warehouse last weekend to meet with some of those who help support efforts to help those facing difficulties.

The Conservative MP said the meeting had allowed him to learn more about how the facility was helping those among the “pockets of poverty” across the city.

A spokesperson for Lichfield Foodbank said:

“Mr Fabricant was invited so that our volunteers could tell him how local people are facing incredibly challenging financial circumstances in his constituency. 

“As our recent service user figures show, compared to 2019-20 Lichfield seen a massive 89% increase in 2021-22.

“And it doesn’t end there. The 2022-23 period is yet young, but in the first four weeks of our year, we are looking at a 120% increase on last April. This equates to 130-150 people each week using our services.

“There are many reasons behind this increase, including cuts to Universal Credit and working tax credits, increases to National Insurance, a shortage of affordable housing, lack of affordable childcare, zero-hour contracts leading to a lack of regular work, and increases in energy, fuel and food prices. 

“During the meeting we explained to Mr Fabricant how and where food is donated, how and why referrals are required for people to use a food bank, and how Universal Credit sanctions have such a destructive impact on low-income families. 

“Overall, this was a positive meeting, and we thank Mr Fabricant for making the time to meet us.”

Lichfield Foodbank spokesperson

Following the meeting, the Conservative MP submitted a Parliamentary question to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, asking that social security benefits are uprated by 9%, in line with inflation now, rather than waiting until the Autumn or next Spring. 

“We’re grateful to see that he has already done this and look forward to seeing the Chancellor’s response. 

“We are against the politicising of foodbanks and believe that everyone, across the political divide, should work together to tackle the issues that face some of Mr Fabricant’s constituents, and millions of others across the country.

“At Lichfield Foodbank we are striving to end the need for food banks in our city by 2025.  To achieve this ambitious target, we require cross-party political support, in addition to support from everyone in our community who believes that, like us, people in Lichfield should not have to rely on emergency food provision. 

“Until then, we remain available to anyone that needs us and ask that everyone who can afford to, continues to donate so generously.”

Lichfield Foodbank spokesperson

“This issue is becoming urgent”

Mr Fabricant’s Parliamentary question drew praise from the SNP MP David Linden, who said the visit showed the reality facing some people across the country.

“I praise the honourable member for Lichfield, who visited his local food bank. In the House of Commons this week, he has rightly said to the Government that they need to uprate benefits.

“That shows that when members on the Government benches interact with their constituents and connect with reality, they see that far too often this Government fall far short of giving the support that is required.”

David Linden

The Conservative MP told Lichfield Live additional support was needed for people who are already suffering from the rising cost of living.

“With inflation running now at 9%, this issue is becoming urgent.

“I know that the Chancellor of the Exchequer is working on ways to relieve the financial pressure, but the lowest paid and unemployed are suffering now.

“Benefits need to be updated much sooner rather than later. As Rishi knows, whether in business or in private life, cash flow is everything and relief needs to be applied now.”

Michael Fabricant

For more details on how to donate or receive help locally, visit the Lichfield Foodbank website.