Two candidates standing in the local elections say they are committed to working with the Lichfield Foodbank.
It comes after the organisation wrote to all of those standing for a seat on Lichfield District Council on 4th May to explore ways to end the need for such facilities.
Matt Wilson, Lichfield Foodbank’s community liaison volunteer, told candidates:
“We need all levels of government to develop an action plan which ensures everyone is able to afford the basics.
“People are forced to charities for emergency food when there isn’t enough money for the essentials. Elected representatives should support a cash-first approach wherever possible, instead of relying on the distribution of emergency food.
“This means using your powers to improve the sufficiency, accessibility and responsiveness of cash-based crisis grants available in our area.”
Matt Wilson, Lichfield Foodbank
He added that councillors also needed to “commit” to investing in support services in communities and work with those supporting those facing poverty in the area.
In a joint statement, Cllr Colin Ball and Cllr Dave Robertson, who are seeking re-election in the Curborough ward, said:
“While we clearly can’t make any specific spending commitments on this kind of issue at this point, if re-elected we both commit to work with Lichfield Foodbank and local community groups and other partners to explore ways to end the need for food banks in Lichfield.
“We also urge all candidates of all political parties and none to commit publicly to this too – we cannot believe that anyone standing for election on 4th May can believe that having local families relying on food banks is a good thing.”
Cllr Colin Ball and Cllr Dave Robertson
As Dave Robertson & Colin Ball bave mentioned in there statement we can’t commit to any spending at this point, however as Leamonsley Candidate for Lichfield I will do what ever is need to address this issue and try to do what we can to remove foodbanks. Also cashless society excludes the most ones which need the most support and I will do anything I can to support and help any organisation to bring food banks to an end.
The need for food banks has increased primarily perhaps solely due to the Tory imposed cost of living crisis. The solutions can’t be found locally. They are intentionally created for a them and us division. The Conservative party is sick. Wages are below inflation in many cases. And the welfare state is ludicrously low. The answer is to be found with a caring cross party government (electoral reform and proportional representation). Vote the Conservatives out locally and then in the General Election. Asset strippers don’t care about people. NHS underfunding is ditto care services. MPs consistently get above inflation % increases. Workers don’t. Laudable that Labour councillors care. But unless Brexit is undone there will be no return to posterity in UK. Food banks are symptom of Brexit. Biggest drop in UK standard of living since records began. Privatisation stinks.
I think you have just about covered it there, Tina!
Burntwood and some of the surrounding villages are served by Cannock & District Foodbank but I applaud the efforts of the Lichfiekd Foodbank in raising awareness. Thank you. Will you publish a lost of those who have responded please?