LABOUR councillors are fully backing Warrington’s successful foodbank scheme – but are concerned that so many people are in desperate need.
They say its success is not a cause for celebration but of concern that it is needed at all in modern times.
Cllr Maureen McLaughlin (pictured right) said: “People turn to foodbanks at times of desperation, when their financial plight means that they have to choose between heating their homes and clothing their children.”
She said that in these cases people are often left prey to unscrupulous lenders and illegal loan sharks.
“The setting up of a foodbank in our town is hardly a cause for celebration. It demonstrates the problem that many of our residents face day-to-day,” she said.
She said volunteers have worked hard to establish foodbank, and their efforts would help those facing hardship.
Cllr McLaughlin said: “We know that the worst of the Coalition Government’s cuts are still yet to come. The welfare reform agenda will only add to the pressure on vulnerable residents, as support for low-earning working families is attacked and benefits are cut.”
She Labour is supporting the scheme, even though it should not become a permanent feature of the town. Her motion to back the project was recently passed unanimously at a full council meeting.
Cllr McLaughlin was also pleased to note the practical support that the council is now providing to the foodbank.
She said: “We asked the volunteers what the council could do to help. We have now agreed to provide much needed storage space for food in premises that are currently vacant, in order to help them with their work.”
