Last Wednesday, the corridors of Westminster echoed with the voices of change as over 700 passionate advocates descended upon the Palace for a powerful lobby day. Representatives from Trussell, the Independent Food Aid Network, Joseph Rowntree Foundation, Feeding Britain, Your Local Pantry, the Salvation Army, and many other independent food banks joined forces for this unprecedented gathering. Among them, our dedicated team from North Bristol & South Glos Foodbank united by a shared determination to secure an Essentials Guarantee for Universal Credit.
As our manager Ellen reflected on the day’s significance, “I think the highlight of the day was gathering together in the Emmanuel Centre and seeing the vast number of people (over 700) all gathered in order to speak to their local MPs… our conversations with our local MPs were positive, knowing that so many more similar conversations were happening throughout the day, felt really powerful!”
Our Support Worker Amelia gave two highlights: “Spending the day with like-minded people who want to see change and are passionate for advocating for those living in poverty” and “The chance to speak to our MP who is a real change maker for this country.”
The urgency behind this Westminster gathering cannot be overstated. Research reveals that around five in six low-income households on Universal Credit currently go without essentials, whilst 70% of people referred to food banks are receiving Universal Credit. This stark reality demonstrates that inadequate social security has become the main driver of food bank need.
The Essentials Guarantee would establish a protected minimum level of support (at least £120 weekly for a single adult and £205 for a couple), ensuring that the standard allowance always meets this threshold. The guarantee would create a legal safeguard preventing deductions from reducing support below this essential level. Research indicates that this policy change would lift 1.9 million people out of hunger risk, including 580,000 children.
The proposal has gained remarkable traction across the political spectrum, with 72% of the public backing the campaign and MPs from all parties expressing support. The Scottish Government and Welsh Labour have already endorsed the Essentials Guarantee.
In the coming weeks, a Bill will be going through Parliament where MPs will vote on the proposed cuts to disabled people’s social security. If enough MPs vote against it, we can stop this Bill from becoming law and show the UK government why they need to make our social security system fit for purpose. Please email your MP to vote against these proposed cuts.
The Westminster lobby day reminded us that change is possible when communities come together with a shared purpose. Together, we’re not just providing emergency food but creating the conditions for lasting change that will end the need for food banks in our community and across the country.
