Local Labour Councillor seriously concerned about projected increase in Deprivation and Destitution

 

Councillor Liz Simpson, deputy leader of the opposition on Northumberland County Council has expressed serious concerns regarding a report from The National Institute of Economic and Social Research (NIESR) think tank.

The think tank  has warned the Government and local Government that the combination of inflation, which is set to reach 7% in the spring, and the upcoming rise in National Insurance Contributions, could lead to a 30% increasein destitution, with particularly severe effects on some parts of the country. 

Councillor Simpson who represents the fabulous and historic seaside town of Newbiggin by the Sea which is home to the largest number of children and young adults living in poverty and deprivation in the whole massive County of Northumberland said "with the bony arm of poverty and deprivation already reaching over 30% of children living in Newbiggin without this dismal prediction from NIESR and parents now totally reliant on the ever reducing services industry as residents cut back and spend on needy items and not services. I'm really concerned that another 30% increase in avoidable deprivation will lead many families towards destitution."

 "Northumberland County Council has ignored the underlying problems facing Newbiggin families for the last five years and their current budget is geared towards headline spend and not research and development into how the County can pull out of this gloom and increase the lot in areas of deprivation." 

NIESR has called for the National Insurance increase to be delayed, and for the creation of a winter grant scheme, administered by local authorities and funded by £3bn in Government funding, to help poorer households pay for food and bills.

 "I fully agree with the advice from the NIESR and urge Government to halt the rise in national insurance and the creation of a special grant scheme for Council's to help families get back onto an even keel and reduce the need for food banks and increase the food on families tables, which would hopefully keep local shops open. I'm also worried that backing from the County Council to support this
idea may not be glamorous enough for the current administration to grasp."