March updates from the SFPA

Spring Statement and the cost-of-living crisis

Many felt that the support outlined in the Chancellor’s Spring Statement failed to meet the scale and urgency of the cost-of-living crisis we are facing. The rise in inflation to a 40 year high this year is expected to reduce real household disposable incomes (RHDI) on a per person basis by 2.2 per cent in 2022-23, the biggest fall in living standards in any single financial year since ONS records began in 1956-57(Office for Budget Responsibility).

The New Economics Foundation estimates 34.2% of the population will be living below the Minimum Income Standard by April 2022. The average financial shortfall will be £8,600. 48% of children will live in households below the Minimum Income Standard, this rises to 77% of children in single parent households, and 96% of children in out of work households. There is no getting away from the fact that 2022 is going to be another challenging year in which partnership working to support the most vulnerable across Shropshire’s communities will be essential.

SFPA updates

We have a new home!

We are delighted to tell you that the Shropshire Food Poverty Alliance has a new home. On the first of April we moved across to Citizens Advice Shropshire. This is a really positive move for the alliance who have worked closely with Citizens Advice since we began in 2018. The role of the alliance remains unchanged, but you can now contact our coordinator Sophie Padgett at SophiePadgett@cabshropshire.org.uk

Cost of living crisis- where to find help

Organisations in Shropshire from across both the voluntary and statutory sector recognise the importance of working together on the cost-of-living crisis. A working group has formed to ensure a joined-up approach to communicating about the issue and to create useful resources to support people. We will keep you up to date with this work as it progresses. There are also some helpful links we can share now of things that already exist.

Building links with town and parish councils

Over the past few weeks the Shropshire Food Poverty Alliance, along with the Shropshire Good Food Partnership, have been presenting at town and parish council meeting. We have spoken about the work of the two organisations, what can be done locally to support the most vulnerable in our communities and how we can build a fairer food system for people, place and planet. If your town/ parish council or community group would be interested in learning more about our work please get in touch.

Shropshire news

Marches Energy Agency fund raising campaign- donate your council tax rebate to help a family in need

Not in need of this April's £150 council tax bill rebate? This is an opportunity to give back your £150 to a family in need via a local charity dedicated to eradicating fuel poverty . Find out more here.

Shropshire’s 98m Bus Back Better bid unsuccessful

A bid for £98m to transform bus services has been unsuccessful.

Shropshire Food Poverty Alliance extremely concerned as food banks have reached record levels of demand

We spoke to the Shropshire Star about our concerns for the year ahead. Read the full article here.

Vote to help Shrewsbury Food Hub win £20k from Severn Trent to tackle food waste in Shrewsbury

Voting ends on 24th April.

Click here to vote - you’ll find them in the Gold Awards section.

Walk Against Waste on Sunday 24th April

See the full details here. It’s an easy 6km walk around 6 bridges in Shrewsbury, starting at Shrewsbury College, English Bridge – you can pick up a map (£6) anytime between 9am and 4pm. It will be a lovely relaxed family event, to show solidarity for the environment and to raise funds for the Hub.