Cardiff Foodbank joins call on Prime Minister to reconnect housing support with local rents

Cardiff Foodbank has joined food banks from across the UK in signing an open letter to the Prime Minister, published today in The Times, calling on the Government to use this autumn's Budget to reconnect housing support with  what it costs to rent a home. 

The letter warns that the growing gap between housing support and private rents is pushing more people into hardship, forcing some to choose between paying the rent and buying food. 

Cardiff Foodbank signed the letter because the issue is affecting people in Cardiff, where many households are struggling to keep up with the cost of renting. 

Rachel Biggs, CEO at Cardiff Foodbank, said: "We see first-hand how difficult it can be for people to afford both their rent and other essentials. When housing support doesn't cover the real cost of renting a home, people are often left with impossible choices. 

“Nobody should need a food bank because housing support doesn't cover the rent. 

That's why we've joined food banks across the UK in calling on the Prime Minister to reconnect housing support with local rents at this autumn's Budget." 

The open letter calls on the Government to: 

• Reconnect Local Housing Allowance with local rents. 

• Commit to maintaining that link in future. 

• Ensure housing support helps people afford a home and cover the essentials. 

Cardiff Foodbank is also calling on local MPs to support the campaign and raise the issue with the Prime Minister ahead of the Budget. 

Rachel Biggs, CEO at Cardiff Foodbank, added: 

"Food banks are there to help people through emergencies, but they cannot fill the gap created when housing support falls short of housing costs. We hope our MPs will support this call and press the UK Government to act.

Add your voice and send an email to Andy Burnham today - https://action.trussell.org.uk/local-housing-allowance