Food banks established as a last-ditch emergency service are becoming an essential part of social security for the working poor as the cost of living soars, a leading figure in the Church of England has warned.
The Right Rev Martin Gorick, Bishop of Dudley, said referrals to Black Country Foodbank, operating in his West Midlands diocese, have seen a 45 per cent increase in referrals this year.
He said the Christian charitable organisation’s services were already “pushed to the limit” but he feared national insurance (NI) rises, income tax changes and increasing energy bills would mean many more would be forced into poverty.
“Black Country Foodbank has seen a 45 per cent increase in referrals – that is concerning – and we haven’t even begun to see the main effects from energy bills going up,” he said. “We are seeing our services pushed to the limit.
Food banks are meant to be last-ditch but have become essential for working poor, says Bishop of Dudley https://t.co/NL1DQKnEjx another pointer , to show us the conservative party do not represent the british workers , nearly back to the soup kitchen era .
— Christopher Hollins (@Christo69996674) April 6, 2022