Bromley council cuts a vital welfare fund impacting low income families. Charities say they cannot replace the support.
This fund helps many low-income families, with 400 families receiving assistance each year. It provides essential goods such as cookers, beds, and fridges. The fund costs £250,000 annually, money provided by the government.
Ray Nowak works with Bromley Borough Foodbank, part of a larger food bank network. Last year, they distributed over 8,000 food parcels. Nowak sees the impact directly.
She says losing necessities hurts people and makes their lives much harder. Basic help prevents bigger issues later.
The fund aids people in dire need, including fire victims, abuse survivors, and struggling seniors. Many have no savings at all and are already struggling with costs.
Kate Sing’ombe manages the food bank. She notes that while organizations already help, they can’t replace the entire fund. She thinks costs will rise for everyone, including health services and the council.
The council claims money is tight, but campaigners say other options exist. They want the council to rethink this change and discuss it with residents. They propose charities and stakeholders should join to seek a way to keep the fund going.
A petition to save the fund was started online by the food bank and has already garnered over 300 signatures. The council has not yet commented.