GMB: Advocating for Economic Justice and Community Welfare
As our membership will be aware from monthly branch meetings and financial reports, our branch maintains a sustained commitment to supporting charitable organizations throughout Northamptonshire.
This Christmas, we have given them all a one-off payment of £100 to help with the valuable work they are doing. The majority of our contributions are directed toward food banks, and we have recently requested comprehensive reports from these organizations regarding their operational challenges and community impact. Unfortunately, some are better than others at reporting back.
This updated report, once again, highlights the indispensable work undertaken by volunteer teams who are witnessing first hand the alarming escalation in food parcel dependency and the inability of families to afford basic necessities in 2025.
This Christmas, we have given them all a one-off payment of £100 to help with the valuable work they are doing. The majority of our contributions are directed toward food banks, and we have recently requested comprehensive reports from these organizations regarding their operational challenges and community impact. Unfortunately, some are better than others at reporting back.
This updated report, once again, highlights the indispensable work undertaken by volunteer teams who are witnessing first hand the alarming escalation in food parcel dependency and the inability of families to afford basic necessities in 2025.
The Proliferation of Food Bank Services
The proliferation of food banks within working-class communities across the United Kingdom has occurred on an unprecedented scale over recent years. This phenomenon represents a significant indictment of thirteen years of Conservative governance, during which economic policies have demonstrably normalized food insecurity within a weakened economy.
However, that is not a narrative we can keep returning to and especially now, with a Labour government, who we expect to change the direction away from poverty and towards prosperity. As we approach the festive season, conditions have shown minimal improvement. On the latest data, there are over 2,800 food banks operating in the UK today. In addition to this, schools now run an estimated 4,250 food banks which means there are now more food banks inside schools than outside of schools in England. This is a serious indictment on any country let alone government. That situation needs to be addressed now!
Thousands of additional households are accessing food bank services as the ongoing cost-of-living crisis severely impacts family budgets. The government’s recent budget is a major positive step going forward as it will lift hundreds of thousands of children out of poverty which will help reduce reliance on food banks for affected families but the other proposed welfare cuts are still a serious concern.
However, that is not a narrative we can keep returning to and especially now, with a Labour government, who we expect to change the direction away from poverty and towards prosperity. As we approach the festive season, conditions have shown minimal improvement. On the latest data, there are over 2,800 food banks operating in the UK today. In addition to this, schools now run an estimated 4,250 food banks which means there are now more food banks inside schools than outside of schools in England. This is a serious indictment on any country let alone government. That situation needs to be addressed now!
Thousands of additional households are accessing food bank services as the ongoing cost-of-living crisis severely impacts family budgets. The government’s recent budget is a major positive step going forward as it will lift hundreds of thousands of children out of poverty which will help reduce reliance on food banks for affected families but the other proposed welfare cuts are still a serious concern.
Key improvements for benefit recipients
The two-child limit on Universal Credit will be removed from April 2026, which the government estimates will lift 450,000 children out of poverty. This is a significant change that will help larger families claiming Universal Credit. Universal Credit will rise by 6.2% and other working-age benefits will increase by 3.8%, helping to offset the cost-of-living pressures.
The State Pension will rise by 4.8% from April 2026 under the triple lock meaning pensioners on the full new State Pension will receive an extra £575 a year. The National Living Wage will increase by 4.1% to £12.71 per hour, representing an increase of £900 to the gross annual earnings of a full-tiime worker. These are positive and progressive moves by this government which we need to get out there, while reminding people that the Tories and Reform all voted against these measures in the House.
The State Pension will rise by 4.8% from April 2026 under the triple lock meaning pensioners on the full new State Pension will receive an extra £575 a year. The National Living Wage will increase by 4.1% to £12.71 per hour, representing an increase of £900 to the gross annual earnings of a full-tiime worker. These are positive and progressive moves by this government which we need to get out there, while reminding people that the Tories and Reform all voted against these measures in the House.
The Reality of Food Bank Users
Individuals accessing food bank services frequently report feelings of shame, yet they have no viable alternatives if their families are to receive adequate nutrition and essential items. The support provided by staff and volunteers merits significant recognition and appreciation. My own experience of talking to various foodbanks is that their role in communities is here to stay!
It is crucial to emphasize that food bank users are not, as certain right-wing political factions suggest, individuals seeking to exploit social services. Many are employed individuals whose wages are insufficient to support their families adequately. Yet the ‘new’ right wing constantly demonise poor families.
The common narrative is peddled out that, benefits are too generous and discourage work, suggesting people have children to get more benefits, focusing on rare extreme cases to imply they represent typical claimants. Furthermore, claims that people choose benefits over work as a lifestyle choice, while portraying disabled benefit claimants as faking or exaggerating conditions is as bizarre as it is hurtful. This constant use of the narrative, that they all want something for nothing is not only disturbing it's cheap and disgusting.
The rhetoric has real consequences it shapes public opinion and policy, create stigma that stops people claiming help they're entitled to and leads to increasingly punitive welfare systems. The truth is most benefit claimants are working families, pensioners, disabled people, all those temporarily between jobs. The majority of welfare spending goes to pensions and in-work benefits reflect low wages rather than generosity
It is crucial to emphasize that food bank users are not, as certain right-wing political factions suggest, individuals seeking to exploit social services. Many are employed individuals whose wages are insufficient to support their families adequately. Yet the ‘new’ right wing constantly demonise poor families.
The common narrative is peddled out that, benefits are too generous and discourage work, suggesting people have children to get more benefits, focusing on rare extreme cases to imply they represent typical claimants. Furthermore, claims that people choose benefits over work as a lifestyle choice, while portraying disabled benefit claimants as faking or exaggerating conditions is as bizarre as it is hurtful. This constant use of the narrative, that they all want something for nothing is not only disturbing it's cheap and disgusting.
The rhetoric has real consequences it shapes public opinion and policy, create stigma that stops people claiming help they're entitled to and leads to increasingly punitive welfare systems. The truth is most benefit claimants are working families, pensioners, disabled people, all those temporarily between jobs. The majority of welfare spending goes to pensions and in-work benefits reflect low wages rather than generosity
Statistical Evidence, as it stands
Research conducted by the Trussell Trust, a nationwide network of food banks, indicates that 2.9 million food parcels were distributed across the United Kingdom last year. A substantial proportion of these parcels were designated for children, including infant nutrition products and clothing. The most striking finding is the pervasive fear experienced by families, with parents forgoing meals to ensure their children receive adequate nutrition. This situation is unconscionable in one of the world's most prosperous economies.
It is interesting to note that religious organisations continue to play a huge role in running food banks in the UK. The Trussell Trust, the UK's largest food bank network with over 1,400 locations was founded by Christians and operates through a network of churches. We have seen this with the funding from our own branch which provides to local food banks.
Many individual food banks are run by churches or faith groups many of the 1,172 + independent food banks outside the Trussell network are also faith-based, but there are also secular organisations like community centres, charities and local volunteer groups running them. So, it's important to note religious organisations are absolutely central to the UK's food bank system, they're not just included they're often the backbone of food bank provision in many communities.
It is interesting to note that religious organisations continue to play a huge role in running food banks in the UK. The Trussell Trust, the UK's largest food bank network with over 1,400 locations was founded by Christians and operates through a network of churches. We have seen this with the funding from our own branch which provides to local food banks.
Many individual food banks are run by churches or faith groups many of the 1,172 + independent food banks outside the Trussell network are also faith-based, but there are also secular organisations like community centres, charities and local volunteer groups running them. So, it's important to note religious organisations are absolutely central to the UK's food bank system, they're not just included they're often the backbone of food bank provision in many communities.
Current Operational Challenge
All our food banks report on the doubling of demand and are struggling to maintain service capacity which is why our Christmas donation in 2025 has been explicitly welcomed. We know from the reports we have received back, that the people using the food banks are respectable citizen, many of whom are employed, contending with an economic crisis, pensioners, NHS staff, and educators, all seeking assistance amid this cost-of-living emergency.
All food banks around the UK are reporting consistent findings. They can substantiate the emerging data and are operating at capacity under significant pressure to provide food and essential items. Most concerning is the substantial increase in demand among elderly populations and families with infants.
All food banks around the UK are reporting consistent findings. They can substantiate the emerging data and are operating at capacity under significant pressure to provide food and essential items. Most concerning is the substantial increase in demand among elderly populations and families with infants.
Structural Analysi
The current food bank infrastructure in Britain represents a deliberate policy direction aimed at dismantling the welfare state in favour of individual self-reliance among the most vulnerable populations. It is unacceptable that our society has become dependent upon charitable, volunteer-operated organizations for poverty alleviation and the blame for that is laid firmly at the door of the previous Tory government, supported throughout by Reform.
This arrangement serves the interests of those who have consciously created this inequitable system—perpetuating fear and dependency while pursuing financial accumulation without regard for social consequences. This is a deliberate political choice, perpetuated daily by the Tories and now, more vociferously by Reform, with apparent indifference to the harmful outcomes of their policies.
This arrangement serves the interests of those who have consciously created this inequitable system—perpetuating fear and dependency while pursuing financial accumulation without regard for social consequences. This is a deliberate political choice, perpetuated daily by the Tories and now, more vociferously by Reform, with apparent indifference to the harmful outcomes of their policies.
Economic Policy Context
Why has this all happened? There seems little doubt that the British economy was severely compromised by Brexit, an initiative founded on lies and misrepresentations that was deliberate, intentional, and ideologically motivated.
This has represented an additional mechanism to dismantle the welfare state and the social safety net for vulnerable populations. The objective was not fiscal prudence but rather wealth accumulation for governmental officials and their affluent supporters. This has to change under a Labour government and I believe it will!
This has represented an additional mechanism to dismantle the welfare state and the social safety net for vulnerable populations. The objective was not fiscal prudence but rather wealth accumulation for governmental officials and their affluent supporters. This has to change under a Labour government and I believe it will!
GMB's Commitment and Call to ActioN
As trade unionists, in 2026, we remain committed to supporting our food banks for the foreseeable future and hold profound respect for those who volunteer their time to provide families with critical assistance. The UK economy is still demonstrably dysfunctional, and conditions are projected to deteriorate further for those most requiring assistance. The scope of this crisis is evident. We require responsive action from the current Labour government and we are confident they will listen to the concerns our members have expressed to us directly. While families struggle to maintain adequate nutrition and children experience food insecurity, there are continuing revelations of unethical practices emanating from right-wing political ideology. We need to stand up and be heard!
Moving Forward
The current Labour government is working to implement reforms, and we must maintain solidarity and resist regressive forces. Mainstream media outlets have historically not aligned with working-class interests, and we acknowledge this reality. However, we possess integrity, conviction, and belief that transformative change is achievable through collective action and resistance.
Labour's manifesto going into the last election committed to end mass dependence on emergency food parcels calling it “a moral scar on our society.” They pledged to tackle child poverty and overhaul Universal Credit. Unless we act decisively and with conviction, more people will be forced into food banks, who are either disabled themselves or live with somebody who are disabled.
Disabled people are three times more likely to face hunger compared to the rest of the population. When the government had been challenged on this, their response has been “mass dependence on food banks is unacceptable” and claim they are reforming the welfare system to reduce poverty.
Some trade union responses to this, is that, instead of relieving pressure on food banks, Labour is outsourcing the consequences of its economic policy to overstretched charities and exhausted volunteers. This is not what we expected or accept, it only mirror’s previous Tory governments and we have to do better than that. They are talking about ending food banks while implementing policies that charities warn will force more people to use them. This is totally unacceptable to most unions including our own branch who supports food banks, not as a long-term proposition but a temporary measure. Or are we being naive? Either way, we need to keep talking, talking through our own GMB Labour MP members to extract change and bring prosperity and decency to everyone.
Labour's manifesto going into the last election committed to end mass dependence on emergency food parcels calling it “a moral scar on our society.” They pledged to tackle child poverty and overhaul Universal Credit. Unless we act decisively and with conviction, more people will be forced into food banks, who are either disabled themselves or live with somebody who are disabled.
Disabled people are three times more likely to face hunger compared to the rest of the population. When the government had been challenged on this, their response has been “mass dependence on food banks is unacceptable” and claim they are reforming the welfare system to reduce poverty.
Some trade union responses to this, is that, instead of relieving pressure on food banks, Labour is outsourcing the consequences of its economic policy to overstretched charities and exhausted volunteers. This is not what we expected or accept, it only mirror’s previous Tory governments and we have to do better than that. They are talking about ending food banks while implementing policies that charities warn will force more people to use them. This is totally unacceptable to most unions including our own branch who supports food banks, not as a long-term proposition but a temporary measure. Or are we being naive? Either way, we need to keep talking, talking through our own GMB Labour MP members to extract change and bring prosperity and decency to everyone.
GMB's Mission
- Advocating for children's welfare
- Supporting community resilience
- Campaigning for living wages
- Pursuing systemic change
- Building a sustainable future
Remain committed to your union and get active!
Alan Irwin
GMB Branch Secretary, Northamptonshire
December 2025
Alan Irwin
GMB Branch Secretary, Northamptonshire
December 2025
| gmb_northants_food_banks_statement_2025.pdf |
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