Andrew Gwynne, MP for Denton and Reddish, has welcomed the announcement of a range of support measures from Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) to respond to the Cost of Living crisis.
At last Friday’s GMCA meeting, local leaders from the 10 districts and the Mayor agreed the need for a strategic city-wide response to the crisis. On Thursday the 4th of August, GMCA launched a new online resource to help guide residents to support available in their area. Helping Hand covers a variety of topics including help with food bills, energy, childcare costs, and more.
The Mayor has also pledged to fund additional Emergency Food Cards, which support children and young people who need immediate access to good quality food. The extension of the scheme bolsters a package of support schemes already in place, including through the No Child Should Go Hungry campaign and the cross-sector Greater Manchester Food Security Action Network.
Recent data commissioned by the organisation 38 degrees shows that over 80% of people in Denton and Reddish were experiencing more expensive energy bills and groceries. Almost a quarter of residents (23%) have seen reduced household income due to cuts in Universal Credit. The figures come as almost 100,000 people have signed a petition backed by former Labour Prime Minister Gordon Brown calling for an emergency budget that boosts Universal Credit.
Commenting, Andrew Gwynne said:
“I’m very grateful for the steps that local leaders are taking to support people as much as possible during this cost-of-living crisis. I just wish that the Tory Government would match these efforts, and give people the support they need.
With the expected increase in the energy price cap, many families will be forced to choose between heating or eating. That is not something that we should even be entertaining as a possibility in 21st Century Britain.
I would strongly encourage anyone who is struggling to utilise these new Greater Manchester services.”
Those wishing to access Helping Hand can do so here.