Ahead of tomorrow's Budget, Cheshire East Labour Group is today calling on the Chancellor to reverse plans to abolish the Household Support Fund.

The Fund is designed to help families hit by the cost of living crisis. Over the last year, local households struggling to make ends meet received support worth over £4M to help with food and energy costs, but now ministers seem determined to axe the fund, further deepening the cost of living crisis for households across Cheshire East. 

The budget comes with the UK economy in recession.

Following the Autumn Statement it emerged that the Government will be ending the scheme in April 2024 as detailed here

Labour Councillor Hazel Faddes, who represents Crewe East, said: "I am really concerned that food banks won't be able to meet the growing need if this fund is scrapped. Food banks are seeing increasing numbers of families coming to them for help, proud families who never thought they would be in a situation where they can't make ends meet.

"Donations from the public can't keep up, which means that food banks need funds to purchase food and other items for struggling households. I'm also concerned that the spiralling cost of food must be having an effect too on donations to food banks as households struggle themselves to buy the items they need for their families.'

Labour's Mary Brooks, Councillor for Macclesfield West and Ivy, said :"People in Cheshire East are already struggling with a Conservative cost of living crisis and Rishi's Recession.

"It is astonishing that the Tories are planning to make things even worse by removing one of the last lines of support for families who need it.

"The Household Support Fund helps local families cover the basics – food and energy – to kick that away now isn't just incompetence, it's cruelty. At this week's budget the Chancellor must think again.

"But the truth is the Conservatives can't solve Cheshire East's problems – they are the problem. Labour has a plan to get Britain's future back. We need a general election now so we can get on and deliver it."

Labour Councillor Heather Seddon, representing Congleton West said: "Food poverty in the UK is a disgrace in one of the richest countries in the world.

"The Trussell Trust is reporting that more households are needing support, including 'cold food packs' - food that can be eaten without the need for expensive high-energy cooking or refrigeration.

"Labour are keen to help households that need an extra bit of support through this cost-of-living crisis. Cheshire East Council has a Cost of Living Crisis Team who are available for advice on 0300 123 5024 from 8:30 am to 5 pm Monday to Friday. We're here to help."

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