The cost of hunger and hardship – Interim report

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The “Cost of Hunger and Hardship” interim report highlights the significant and growing issue of food insecurity in the UK, with 9.3 million people, including 3 million children, facing hunger and hardship. This report argues that the social security system is failing to protect vulnerable populations, particularly as Universal Credit leaves many families unable to meet essential living costs. Certain groups, such as single-parent families, larger families, and disabled households, are disproportionately affected. The report recommends various policy changes, including implementing an “Essentials Guarantee” to raise incomes, adjusting Universal Credit, and increasing support for children and low-income families. Without immediate action, the number of people experiencing hardship is expected to rise further. The report underscores that these hardships have broad social and economic impacts, calling on the UK government to take swift and decisive measures to address these systemic issues and reduce reliance on food banks.