Protect those already struggling

We’re joining organisations across the country calling on Rishi Sunak to ensure the spring budget protects those already struggling in the cost of living crisis.

As a member of PlaceShapers, we’ve signed an open letter to the Prime Minister – and you can also sign as an individual.

• Help us heat our homes - provide effective, ongoing support for Brits struggling to pay our energy bills during this crisis, and boost insulation so our bills keep coming down
• Make sure kids aren’t going hungry - by expanding free school meals to all children, prioritising families receiving Universal Credit or equivalent benefits
• Keep a roof over our heads - unfreezing housing benefit so we can stay in our homes as rents soar
• Give a lifeline when times are tough - when it becomes impossible to pay our bills and feed our families, a system which treats us with dignity and helps us get back on our feet.

Group Chief Executive, Louise Swain adds “People on the lowest incomes are disconnecting their gas or electricity and unable to afford to cook hot meals for themselves and their children. People are doing their best and we’re doing all we can to support our communities by providing our own funds as well as working with North Somerset Council. We’re urging the Government to do more.”

The petition will be handed in to Downing Street ahead of the Budget on 15 March. We were part of a campaign ahead of the Autumn 2022 budget calling on Government to protect those struggling. The 404,00 strong petition helped Government see the strength of public feeling ahead of them announcing that benefits would be increased in line with inflation.