Oldham's Lib Dem leader attacks "shameful" cost of food

Councillor Howard Sykes

Oldham’s Liberal Democrat Leader councillor Howard Sykes MBE says increased use of foodbanks, rising food costs and cuts to school meal budgets are "shameful in a developed country".

Cllr Sykes has now backed a campaign for affordable food for all.  

A petition has been started by campaign group ‘Which?’, who say that “as food prices continue to increase - and inflation shows no sign of slowing down - it is crucial people get the support they need.”

"More and more people across Oldham Borough are simply unable to cope with the rising cost of food." Councillor Sykes told the Chronicle.  "Food bank usage is skyrocketing and we’re even seeing schools making cuts to school meal budgets.  This is shameful in a developed country and the government is refusing to offer meaningful support.”

Which?’s latest research suggests over eight in ten people in the UK are making an adjustment to save money on food because of the cost-of-living crisis.  The most common changes are looking out for food on promotion or trading down to cheaper alternatives.  Among those who said they are struggling the most financially, half said that their household was skipping meals.  

The company have set out ten ‘action points’ it says that leading supermarkets can implement to help people with the cost-of-living crisis.

Councillor Sykes added: “Big supermarkets can and must do more to ensure the availability of healthy and affordable food, with clear pricing to help people budget and more offers to help those most in need.”  

Details of the petition can be found here

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