Lichfield foodbank has joined together with community leaders to write an open letter to Michael Fabricant MP, asking for him to support vulnerable people in Lichfield and oppose the proposed £20 per week cut to Universal Credit.
Foodbank use is increasing and this last week alone (week ending 11.09.2021) Lichfield foodbank fed 145 people. The statistics included in the letter give a clear picture of the impact that cuts could have on the local community.
Click this link to read the full letter
Chair of Lichfield foodbank, David Clarke said:
“The statistics we have provided in the letter are extremely concerning. They point to increasing food insecurity in Lichfield, with the number of children requiring emergency food packages particularly upsetting. Of course these are just numbers, but we see the people, young and old, behind the numbers each week at our distribution centres.
We know that they have relied on the uplift in Universal Credit to keep their heads above water, and that many more will be forced to rely on foodbanks to put food on the table if the cut goes ahead. At a time when working tax credits have been cut, the furlough scheme is ending, energy prices are increasing in addition to the increase in National Insurance contributions, many people in our community simply will not have enough money for food, heating and clothing.
We’re asking Mr Fabricant to think of those in need and to oppose the planned cuts”.