A recent report by the Bevan Foundation has revealed that approximately 25% of individuals in Wales are cutting down or skipping meals due to financial difficulties. While some signs of improvement are noted, specific groups, such as disabled individuals and families with children, continue to experience significant challenges.
Taff-Ely Food Bank, which serves the Rhondda Cynon Taf area, reported that nearly 40% of the food parcels distributed in the past six months were intended for children. The UK government has indicated plans to address the structural causes of child poverty, while the Welsh government claims to have invested over £7 billion to support families facing financial strain.
The “Snapshot of Poverty” report indicates minor improvements, stating that the situation may be stabilizing. However, many low-income households are still descending deeper into debt. A YouGov survey accompanying the report found that the percentage of adults struggling to afford essentials decreased from 15% last September to 12% this year. Additionally, the prevalence of parents reporting reduced meal sizes for their children fell from 21% to 13% during the same timeframe. Nevertheless, families with children under 18 have reported increasing financial pressure.
Charmaine Walsh, a support manager at Taff Ely Foodbank, noted that many parents are prioritizing their children’s nutritional needs over their own. She indicated that the increased cost of food is significantly impacting her clients, with previous strategies to manage limited budgets no longer effective.
Colin Henderson, a volunteer at the food bank, emphasized the rising demand for assistance, attributing it to the high cost of living. Steffan Evans, head of the Bevan Foundation, highlighted the report’s emphasis on the difficulties faced by families and called for the UK government to abolish the two-child limit on universal credit, suggesting it could help lift over 600,000 children out of poverty at a cost of £3.6 billion annually.
A UK government spokesperson reiterated commitments to reducing poverty through various initiatives, and the Welsh government has also pledged financial support to combat poverty.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c9v12v0pv73o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss