Richard was pleased to meet with Sarah Broughton and Graham Moore from Bedford Foodbank last week, along with Rhiannon from the Trussell Trust, as part of the Guarantee Our Essentials lobby day in Parliament.
Richard Fuller MP said:
We had a thoughtful and constructive discussion about the Government’s Pathways to Work Green Paper, and what it may mean for our community. Bedford Foodbank does far more than provide emergency food parcels. They also offer support in areas like financial management, debt advice, budgeting, and signposting to services such as Citizens Advice. Their holistic approach is a testament to the power of local community-led support that addresses the specific challenges faced by different communities - not just the symptoms.
We all agreed that while a safety net is essential for those facing immediate crises, we must also look at the underlying causes of hardship to ensure people receive the right support to move forward - whether that’s help with employment, financial planning, or access to affordable essentials.
With finite resources, it’s essential that funding is targeted where it can have the greatest impact. That means addressing the underlying drivers of high living costs, such as energy and food prices, rather than focusing solely on short-term fixes. When measures like salary or welfare increases are introduced in isolation, without tackling broader economic pressures, they can inadvertently contribute to rising inflation.
A strong economy and high levels of employment naturally reduce the need for welfare support and services like foodbanks. That’s why it’s important to pursue policies that drive sustainable growth. Instead of increasing the tax burden on working people and businesses, the Government must focus on easing it to stimulate economic activity, boost consumer confidence, and help bring inflation back under control. A thriving economy not only lifts more people out of hardship but also ensures a resilient safety net for those who need support.
Thank you to Bedford Foodbank and the Trussell Trust for the work you do. I’ll continue to advocate for practical, compassionate policies that not only respond to immediate need, but also help people build lasting security and opportunity.
