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Abena Oppong-Asare MP Welcomes Labour’s Free School Meals Expansion Plan for Thousands of Erith and Thamesmead Children

Abena Oppong-Asare, MP for Erith and Thamesmead has today (Friday 6 June) come out in support of the Labour government’s plans to deliver a free nutritious meal every school day for over half a million more children, as Labour puts £500 back into parents’ pockets every year by expanding eligibility for free school meals.  

This news comes after the successful launch of free breakfast clubs earlier this year, including at local primary schools in Erith and Thamesmead. Abena Oppong-Asare MP was delighted to visit one of these schools – Jubilee Primary School – to witness firsthand the positive difference the breakfast clubs are already making for local pupils and their families.

This announcement now means from the start of the 2026 school year, every pupil in Erith and Thamesmead whose household is on Universal Credit will have a new entitlement to free school meals. This will make life easier and more affordable for parents who struggle the most, delivering on Labour’s Plan for Change to break down barriers to opportunity and give children the best start in life. 

The unprecedented expansion will lift 100,000 children across England completely out of poverty. Giving children the access to a nutritious meal during the school day also leads to higher attainment, improved behaviour and better outcomes – meaning they get the best possible education and chance to succeed in work and life. 

The expansion will mean half a million more free lunches across England, on top of the 3 million already dished out every day – bringing the numbers up towards 8,880 right here in Erith and Thamesmead constituency.

Since 2018, children have only been eligible for free school meals if their household income is less than £7,400 per year, meaning hundreds of thousands of children living in poverty has been unable to access free school meals. 

Labour’s historic new expansion to those on Universal Credit will change this and comes ahead of the Child Poverty Taskforce publishing its ten-year-strategy to drive sustainable change later this year. It comes on top of targeted support for families being hit the hardest with the cost-of-living crisis, with urgent action including raising the national minimum wage, uprating benefits and supporting 700,000 families through the Fair Repayment Rate on Universal Credit deductions. 

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:

“Working parents across the country are working tirelessly to provide for their families but are being held back by cost-of-living pressures.

“My government is taking action to ease those pressures. Feeding more children every day, for free, is one of the biggest interventions we can make to put more money in parents’ pockets, tackle the stain of poverty, and set children up to learn.

“This expansion is a truly historic moment for our country, helping families who need it most and delivering our Plan for Change to give every child, no matter their background, the same chance to succeed.”

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said:

“It is the moral mission of this government to tackle the stain of child poverty, and today this government takes a giant step towards ending it with targeted support that puts money back in parents’ pockets.

“From free school meals to free breakfast clubs, breaking the cycle of child poverty is at the heart of our Plan for Change to cut the unfair link between background and success.

“We believe that background shouldn’t mean destiny. Today’s historic step will help us to deliver excellence everywhere, for every child and give more young people the chance to get on in life.”

Labour is also offering more than £13 million in funding to 12 food charities across England to redistribute thousands of tonnes of fresh produce directly from farms to fight food poverty in communities.

The Tackling Food Surplus at the Farm Gate scheme is helping farms and organisations to work collaboratively to ensure edible food that might have been left in fields instead ends up on the plates of those who need it, including schoolchildren. This comes as part of Labour’s wider Food Strategy, helping to drive change and support a healthier, more sustainable and resilient food system.

Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall said:

“Poverty robs children of opportunities and damages their future prospects. This is a moral scar on our society we are committed to tackling.

“By expanding Free School Meals to all families on Universal Credit, we’re ending the impossible choice thousands of our hardest grafting families must make between paying bills and feeding their children.

“This is just the latest step of our Plan for Change to put extra pounds in people’s pockets – a downpayment on our Child Poverty Strategy, building on our expansion of free breakfast clubs, our national minimum wage boost and our cap on Universal Credit deductions through the Fair Repayment Rate.”

Abena Oppong-Asare, MP for Erith and Thamesmead, said:

“I know from speaking directly to local parents how much the stain of child poverty has impacted families in Erith and Thamesmead. 

“That’s why I fully support this decisive and much needed action to expand the entitlement for free school meals to thousands of children across Erith and Thamesmead, lifting many out of poverty and putting money back in parents’ pockets. 

“Children deserve the best start in life, and I’m proud that Labour is delivering this through its Plan for Change.”

To ensure quality and nutrition in meals for the future, Labour is also acting quickly with experts across the sector to revise the School Food Standards, so every school is supported with the latest nutrition guidance.

This new entitlement will apply to children in all settings where free school meals are currently delivered, including schools, school-based nurseries and Further Education settings. We expect the majority of schools will allow parents to apply before the start of the school year 2026, by providing their National Insurance Number to check their eligibility.

Schools and local authorities will continue to receive pupil premium and home to school transport extended rights funding based on the existing free school meals threshold. 

This is just the latest step in Labour’s Plan for Change to break the unfair link between background and opportunity, including rolling out free breakfast clubs, expanding government funded childcare to 30 hours a week for working parents and commitment to cap the number of branded school uniform items.

From April 2026 until the end of parliament, millions of households are set to receive a permanent yearly above inflation boost to Universal Credit. The increase, a key element of the Government’s welfare reforms to be laid before Parliament, will tackle the destitution caused by years of inaction that has left the value of the standard allowance at a 40 year low by the early 2020s.

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Abena Oppong-Asare MP Celebrates Labour’s Vital Investment in Repairs at Five Erith and Thamesmead Schools

Pupils in Erith and Thamesmead are set to benefit from essential maintenance fixes being rolled out in schools across the country thanks to the Labour government, with up to £110.3 million being invested in schools across London alone through the Condition Improvement Fund (CIF).

Children at these local schools will benefit from a share of £470 million for projects in education and healthcare settings, set to fix crumbling roofs and remove dangerous asbestos – restoring pride in England’s classrooms and undoing years of dangerous Conservative neglect.

The five schools in Erith and Thamesmead that will benefit from the fund include:

  • Christ Church (Erith) Church of England Primary School
  • Shooters Hill Sixth Form College
  • St Augustine of Canterbury Church of England Primary School
  • Trinity Church of England School, Belvedere
  • Windrush Thamesmead Primary School

These schools will benefit from a range of essential upgrades, including urgent fire safety improvements, modern heating systems, and other critical infrastructure repairs. This will ensure local pupils are kept warm, safe, and in the best possible environment for learning.

The funding is part of Labour’s mission to fix the dire state of public services inherited from the Conservatives and deliver investment and reform through the Plan for Change, supporting children to get the best start in life.

It is part of a record £2.1 billion investment into the school estate this year – £300 million more than the previous year – as Labour forges on with delivering for the public by investing in our children, their futures and the future of this country.

MP for Erith and Thamesmead, Abena Oppong-Asare, said:

“Parents across Erith and Thamesmead will remember the terror of the RAAC crisis, the fear that children were no longer safe in their own school because of years of Tory neglect.

“Labour is turning the page through our Plan for Change, literally fixing the foundations of our schools so local children are in a safe environment where the can achieve and thrive.

“Having spoken directly to many schools in our community, I know just how urgently these improvements are needed. These upgrades will make a real difference to staff, pupils, and the future of our local schools.

“With free breakfast clubs, cheaper uniform costs and safer schools, Labour is setting children up for the best start.”

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said:

“The defining image of the school estate under the previous government was children sitting under steel props to stop crumbling concrete falling on their heads. It simply isn’t good enough.

“Parents expect their children to learn in a safe warm environment. It’s what children deserve, and it is what we are delivering.

“This investment is about more than just buildings – it’s about showing children that their education matters, their futures matter, and this government is determined to give them the best possible start in life.”

Labour’s investment will deliver energy efficient, warm classrooms with safe outdoor spaces that are not just fit for lessons, but for the future. Creating a welcoming and supportive school environment for generations of children so they can achieve and thrive as they progress through their education.

A further £1.4 billion will back the acceleration of the School Rebuilding Programme this year, with a commitment to kickstart projects at 100 schools this year alone, as Labour seeks to fix the foundations of our school estate.

Rejuvenating schools by delivering new, high-quality buildings that are not just energy efficient but fit for all pupils needs.

This will provide high-tech facilities that will raise the standards of education through new sports halls, IT rooms, school kitchens and playgrounds that children and staff can enjoy for years to come.

Projects will be delivered during the 2025 to 2026 financial year, with the first upgrades expected to begin this summer.

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Celebrating New Free Breakfast Clubs at Primary Schools in Thamesmead

School mornings have likely got a lot easier for many families in the constituency of Erith and Thamesmead this month as the Labour Government rolls out an initial 750 free breakfast clubs at primary schools across the country.

Two of the schools selected for this initial phase are Willow Bank Primary School and Jubilee Primary School, both based in South East London’s Thamesmead community.

The breakfast clubs offer 30 minutes of free childcare, a healthy start for kids and a little more breathing room before the school bell rings.

Parents will be supported with additional time at the start of the day to attend appointments, get to work on time and run errands. In total, this means parents may be able to save up to 95 additional hours and £450 per year if their child attends free breakfast clubs every day.

This amount rises to a saving of up to £8,000 every year when combining Labour’s free breakfast clubs with further support through the expansion of government-funded childcare and new school uniform cap on branded items.

Today, local MP for Erith and Thamesmead, Abena Oppong-Asare, welcomed the announcement by visiting Jubilee Primary School. She joined their morning breakfast club and spoke with teachers, parents, and students about the positive impact these clubs will have on their lives.

Universal free breakfast clubs are central to the Labour Government’s Plan for Change, removing barriers to opportunity by making sure every child starts the school day ready to learn – with research showing the clubs have a lasting impact on children’s behaviour, attendance and attainment.

The scheme also has an important role to play in Labour’s commitment remove the stain of child poverty. Out of the 180,000 children who will benefit from the early adopter schools nationwide, around 67,000 attend schools in deprived areas. This will provide an essential meal to ensure every child starts the day ready to learn.

These clubs also sit alongside Labour’s action to tackle the cost of living, with inflation falling for two months in a row, wages growing faster than prices and fuel duty frozen. Together, the Labour Government believes this shows their Plan for Change is delivering for working families.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:

“As a parent, I know that the combined pressures of family life and work can often feel impossible to juggle. That is why our manifesto promised to make parents lives easier and put more money in their pockets with free breakfast clubs. Under a year since we came into office, this government is delivering that through our Plan for Change.

“The rollout of free breakfast clubs is a truly game-changing moment for families in this country. They mean parents will no longer be hamstrung by rigid school hours and have the breathing space they need to beat the morning rush, attend work meetings and doctors’ appointments, or run errands. And crucially, it means better life chances for children.

“By making these clubs free and universal, we’re doing something that previous governments have never done. We’re going further and faster to deliver the change working families deserve. That’s the change this government was elected to deliver.”

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said:

“Free breakfast clubs are a central part of our Plan for Change. At a time when there is so much pressure on families, they provide real help with the cost of living and ensure children start the day with a nutritious meal.

“On top of the hectic school run, parents should not have to worry about how to balance work and getting their children fed and ready for school. These clubs will break down barriers and help children settle in, focus and get the most out of their learning.

“We are delivering on our promises and giving every child the best start in life while making sure families get the support they need, wherever they live.”

Abena Oppong-Asare, MP for Erith and Thamesmead, said:

“I was elected to on a manifesto promising change and the opening of the new free breakfast clubs at Willow Bank Primary School and Jubilee Primary School, supporting families in Erith and Thamesmead, shows that Labour is delivering.

“The new clubs prove that Labour’s Plan for Change is putting children first, supporting working families and breaking down barriers to opportunity.

“During my visit to Jubilee Primary School today, I saw firsthand how the free breakfast clubs are set to become a vital support for our local community; getting children school-ready, improving attendance, attainment and wellbeing, as well as saving local families up to £8,000 a year.”

Government research shows most parents (87%) think breakfast clubs are a good chance for children to socialise, and two thirds (66%) recognise the value of clubs providing educational activities.

Breakfast clubs have been shown to boost children’s reading, writing, and maths by an average of two months.

Early Adopter schools, including Willow Bank Primary School and Jubilee Primary School will shape the future of the national breakfast club policy, contributing directly to its implementation. The wider paid-for wraparound childcare offer – for all primary children to be able to access childcare between 8am-6pm – continues to roll out across the country.

Victoria Taylor, mum of two children aged 5 and 7, said:

“For me, free breakfast clubs provide vital support, meaning I can get into work a little easier and ensure my two kids are settled and ready to learn.

“I’m a primary school teacher, so early mornings are a must however I try to not let my busy schedule dictate the pace of mornings. “Taking my children to breakfast clubs means I know they are fed, ready to start the day and emotionally regulated – the commitment to rollout nationally will make the world of difference for working families.”

Social Media Post from Abena Oppong-Asare MP visit to Jubilee Primary School:

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March 2025 Newsletter

Dear Friends,

Thank you for taking the time to look at my monthly newsletter for March 2025.

I hope you enjoy this update on some of the work I have been doing in Erith and Thamesmead and in Parliament over the last month.

As ever, if you want to get in touch, don’t hesitate to contact me using the email address: abena.oppongasare.mp@parliament.uk

Abena

Celebrating International Women’s Day 2025

This month, we celebrated International Women’s Day 2025 – an important occasion for girls and young women across our country and the world. It’s a time to reflect on the significant progress made toward gender equality and to renew our commitment to creating equal opportunities for everyone, regardless of gender or background.

This year was particularly special as we celebrated the remarkable progress in electing women to the House of Commons. In last year’s election, a record-breaking 263 women were elected, making up an all-time high of 40 percent.

To mark the day, I was proud to stand alongside my fellow women MPs in the House of Commons chamber. I also posted a video on the day, which you can see here.

Greenwich Mummies Forum visit on IWD

Lovely to join the Greenwich Mummies Forum at the Plumstead Centre as part of their festivities celebrating International Women’s Day (IWD). It was inspiring to hear from our local mums and shine a spotlight on their incredible strength.

Visit to Lessness Heath Primary School

Enjoyed my visit to Lessness Heath Primary School in Belvedere, meeting Headteacher Miss Bolton, Assistant Headteacher Mr Jackson and Primary First Trust’s CEO Miss Hamilton.

It was also fantastic to tour the school, meet the wonderful students during their lunch break, and even wish the school dog, Lola, a very happy birthday!

Visit to Oscar Mayer in Erith

Pleased to visit Oscar Mayer on Erith Marshes this month. I had a productive discussion with Alex James and his team on their role locally and the challenges they face. I’m committed to supporting our local businesses while also securing the strongest workers’ rights in a generation.

Ghana’s 68th Independence Day Parliament Event

I was thrilled to attend Ghana’s 68th Independence Day celebration reception in Parliament, hosted by Bell Ribeiro-Addy MP. It was a fantastic event, joined by Lord Paul Boateng, the Minister for Africa, Lord Collins, and many other important voices from the Ghanaian community here in the UK.

As the first female Minister of Ghanaian heritage, it meant a lot to be part of this celebration and represent our constituency, which has the largest African descendant population in the country. It was a great chance to shine a light on the incredible contributions of Ghanaians in the UK and come together for such a special occasion!

Usdaw ‘Breaking Down Barriers’ event in Parliament

Pleased to join members of Usdaw’s Breaking Down Barriers programme during their visit to the Houses of Parliament.

It was good to see the important work Usdaw is doing to strengthen representation in union roles, workplaces across the country, and in politics. The group was full of impressive individuals from all walks of life who asked thoughtful questions.

Women’s History Month in Parliament

This March, we’re also celebrating Women’s History Month. It was great to join fellow Members of Parliament at the House of Commons Speaker’s reception to mark the occasion and reflect on the progress made by women in the UK.

Update on the Government’s ‘Plan for Change’

This month, the Government has continued delivering on its ‘Plan for Change’. I’m pleased to see the Education Secretary recently launch the initial rollout of free breakfast clubs, benefiting children across England, including Jubilee Primary School and Willow Bank Primary School in our constituency of Erith and Thamesmead.

I also backed the Children’s Wellbeing & Schools Bill, which will cut school costs for families, drive up standards, and ensure no child falls through the cracks. Additionally, Parliament approved the Employment Rights Bill, the biggest upgrade to workers’ rights in a generation – strengthening sick pay, banning exploitative contracts, and protecting against unfair dismissal.

Finally, I welcome the Government’s “Pathways to Work” Green Paper, which includes proposals to tackle inactivity and improve employment support for disabled people and those with health conditions. While I recognise the sensitivity of this issue, I believe these crucial steps will contribute to creating a fairer system that enables individuals to live with dignity and independence.

Ministerial work in the Cabinet Office

I’ve been excited to carry on my work in the Cabinet Office this month. I began by attending and speaking at the opening of Lloyd’s of London’s ‘Life in the Sun’s Atmosphere’ exhibition. I spoke about what the Government is doing to build a more resilient society. Find out more here.

During Cabinet Office Questions, I was pleased to update the House of Commons on the Government’s emergency alert system to keep the public alert and safe as quickly as possible during emergencies.

Additionally, it was important and moving to join Cabinet Office colleagues and other Members of Parliament to commemorate the COVID-19 Day of Reflection – marking five years on from the start of the pandemic. It was a time to remember those we lost and honour the sacrifices made by so many.

Furthermore:

  • Greater London UNISON Regional Women’s Committee Networking Day – Great to speak with some amazing UNISON women about my background and path in politics.
  • Women in Westminster Reception – Lovely to join this important reception in Parliament to celebrate many successful and hard-working women in Westminster.
  • Ash Wednesday – Wishing everyone in Erith and Thamesmead a blessed 40-day period of Lent, which began at the start of this month on Ash Wednesday.
  • Happy Holi – Hope everyone who is celebrating a very happy Holi!
  • Ramadan Mubarak – A very peaceful Ramadan to those who observe.
  • Happy St Patrick’s Day – Hope everyone had a fantastic St Patrick’s Day this year!
  • Happy St David’s Day – Happy St David’s Day to everyone who celebrated!
  • Happy World Book Day – Was good to mark this day and celebrate the work of local teachers, librarians and parents who are getting more children every year into reading.

Stay updated on social media

For regular updates on my activities, follow me on Twitter (@abenaopp), Facebook (Abena Oppong-Asare MP, Erith and Thamesmead), and Instagram (abena.oppongasare.mp).

You can also sign up to my digital newsletter at www.abenaoppongasare.com/get_in_touch

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Abena welcomes the Government’s plan to cut backlog of over 100,000 patients in South East London waiting over 18-weeks for NHS treatment

Patients in Erith and Thamesmead will be able to access more appointments closer to home and get the treatment they need faster under a new plan to tackle hospital backlogs set out by the Prime Minister earlier this month.

In London, nearly half a million people – 476,131 in total – have been on waiting lists for more than 18 weeks, including an alarming 103,210 people within the NHS South East London ICB, causing a significant impact on their health.

Addressing the 7.5 million-strong waiting list inherited by the government, and ensuring the NHS once again meets the 18-week standard for planned treatment, is a crucial milestone in the government’s Plan for Change.

Restoring this 18-week standard will mean patients in Erith and Thamesmead no longer have their lives put at risk or on hold – instead getting the treatment they need when they need it.

At the moment, too many patients face long waits for appointments or surgeries and may be referred to hospitals they don’t choose at inconvenient times, while appointments and staff time are being lost to inefficiencies or inconsistencies in care.  

The Labour Government’s Elective Reform Plan, published this month by NHS England, sets out a whole system approach to hitting the 18-week referral to treatment target by the end of this Parliament.

This includes opening Community Diagnostic Centres on evenings and weekends so that many more people will be able to access tests and checks while going about their daily lives.

The NHS will also increase the number of surgical hubs, which will help protect planned care from the impact of winter pressures and will cut waiting lists for standard surgeries, in turn freeing up beds in acute wards. 

The plan will drive forward progress on the government’s first steps commitment to deliver 2 million extra appointments in its first year, equivalent to 40,000 every week. The reforms will put patients first, harness technology to support staff and help the NHS to do things more efficiently.

Under the plan, 65% of patients will be treated within 18 weeks by the end of next year. Based on the size of the current waiting list, that would mean a fall of more than 450,000 people waiting more than 18 weeks for treatment.

After 14 years of decline, these plans will ensure that NHS patients and the people of South East London – and across the country – will at last have access to the timely treatment they need and deserve, while NHS staff will once again be able to deliver the high standard of care they are so deeply committed to providing.

Abena Oppong-Asare, Member of Parliament for Erith and Thamesmead said:

“Too many residents in our community of Erith and Thamesmead and South East London are stuck on the record long waiting lists inherited by this Labour Government at huge cost to their health.

“That’s why the reforms announced this month to cut NHS waiting times from 18 months to 18 weeks will make such a huge difference. With so many people waiting for treatment, it is more urgent than ever that we reform our NHS so it will always be there for you when you need it.”

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:

“This Government promised change and that is what I am fighting every day to deliver.

“NHS backlogs have ballooned in recent years, leaving millions of patients languishing on waiting lists, often in pain or fear. Lives on hold. Potential unfulfilled.

“This elective reform plan will deliver on our promise to end the backlogs. Millions more appointments. Greater choice and convenience for patients. Staff once again able to give the standard of care they desperately want to.

“This is a key plank of our Plan for Change, which will drive growth that puts more money in people’s pockets, secures our borders and makes the NHS fit for the future so what working people live longer, healthier, more prosperous lives.”

The Elective Reform Plan was published by NHS England on Monday 6th January: https://www.england.nhs.uk/publication/reforming-elective-care-for-patients/

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Families and new parents in Greenwich to receive early years support says Abena Oppong-Asare MP

Families and children in Erith and Thamesmead will be able to access early years support such as pregnancy support, infant feeding advice, parenting classes and other support to give their child the best start in life, following a £126 million Government funding boost – delivering on the Labour’s Plan for Change.

Greenwich is expected to receive at least £1,472,500 as part of the wider investment increase.

Children’s early years are crucial to their development, health and life chances. Antenatal classes, health visitors, parenting support, baby and toddler groups and access to affordable, high-quality early education and childcare – all are vital to guiding parents and supporting child development. Yet over 80% of parents have said they struggled to access services.

As part of our Plan for Change we’re committed to strengthening and joining up family services to improve support through pregnancy and early childhood and improve long term outcomes for children – including through today’s investment in Family Hubs and the Start for Life programme.

Abena Oppong-Asare, Member of Parliament for Erith and Thamesmead said:

“I am absolutely delighted that families and children in Erith and Thamesmead will be able to access early years support through this funding boost from the Government.

“Families in Erith and Thamesmead elected a Labour government to give every child the best possible start in life, and that is what we’re delivering.

“This will make such a huge difference for so many families in our community and I know that the impact will be felt for years to come.”

Andrew Gwynne, Minister for Public Health and Prevention, said:

“This crucial investment provides a strong foundation to deliver our commitment to raise the healthiest generation of children ever, by giving parents the support they need to ensure their baby has the best start in life.

“The first two years of a child’s life lay the building blocks for their physical and emotional wellbeing into adulthood. That’s why we are investing in early years, as part of our Plan for Change, to improve access to services in deprived areas to ensure no-one is left behind.”

For more information see: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/families-to-receive-126-million-in-early-years-support

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New Kitchen at the Javan Coker Foundation

I was also very pleased to join the Javan Coker Foundation (JCF) this month as they celebrated the installation of their newly refurbished kitchen at the JCF centre.

Alongside the Council Leader, Cllr Anthony Okereke, it was lovely to join the team for the opening and hear about all the great work they have been doing to support children and families in need.

If you would like to find out more about the charity and what they are doing in our community, then you can find their website here: https://www.thejavancokerfoundation.org/.

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Visit to St Augustine’s new library in Belvedere

I was delighted to be invited to officially open a new library at St Augustine of Canterbury Primary School in Belvedere.  

A library is an instrumental place for students of all ages to read, learn and reflect on all that they are interested in. Through reading about different lives and characters, children learn to connect and better understand the people around them. Libraries played such an important role in my life, and I am heartened to know that the children at St Augustine will have this opportunity too.

The outdoor adventure theme of the library was decided by the School Parliament. The theme was executed by Acorn Book Club and included a mountain camp hideaway, reading tent and cosy campfire! 

I was particularly impressed by the enthusiasm and dedication of all the staff at St Augustine of Canterbury Primary School and Acorn Book Club to this project and the students. It was lovely to discover that employees from the Belvedere and Northumberland Heath branches raised over £1000 in support of the library. 

Abena Oppong-Asare visit St Augustine new library in Belvedere.

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Passport Office Delays

Abena Oppong-Asare MP calls on Minister to get a grip of Passport Office delays

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London Challenge Poverty Week – we must act now

This week is London Challenge Poverty Week and it is, unfortunately, clear to see that London, alongside the rest of England, is moving backwards in tackling poverty.

In Erith and Thamesmead 41% of children are growing up in poverty which has a devastating long-term impact on children’s mental, physical and education well-being. This cannot be acceptable, and it cannot be ignored.

In 2019, Professor Philip Alston, United Nations Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights, found that millions of people in the UK are struggling to access their basic human rights, highlighting how so many have been forced into extreme poverty. The report found that women, disabled people and children are disproportionately impacted by poverty.

The impacts of long ignored poverty have been felt even harder during COVID-19 and it is clear that the most vulnerable in society are being hit the hardest. I released a report in August detailing the impacts of COVID-19 on protected characteristics in Erith and Thamesmead after receiving hundreds of emails from people seeking help.

One constituent emailed me due to facing the risk of eviction, they said:

“I am writing this email seeking for support regarding housing because myself and my son are being threatened with homelessness.

I have been going through some housing issues with my landlord’s son since last year who requested that I vacate the property… I was then issued with a Section 21 notice after the end of my tenancy.

My current rent is lower than the normal rent value and getting another accommodation that is affordable has been challenging because I am on low income.”

The average private rent in Erith and Thamesmead consumes 75% of an average single woman’s earnings. The affordable housing crisis and lack of support for renters throughout the pandemic is just one way in that vulnerable people are being pushed further into poverty.

The Trussell Trust anticipate giving out six parcels every minute between October and December this year. However, poverty if not a new phenomenon in London caused by COVID-19, it is an issue that has been massively increasing over the past decade.

Food bank use has doubled across London over the past five years and 72% of families living in poverty are in work.

Despite these startling figures, the Government has refused to accept that urgent action needs to be taken to tackle the growing poverty rates and issues surrounding them.

In June I called for a pay rise for public sector healthcare workers, arguing that poverty contributes to worsening mental health in the workforce; but this was denied by the Government.

In September the Conservative Government was forced into a U-turn on providing children with free school meals over the summer holiday amidst growing child poverty concerns.

Last year London spent over £733m on temporary accommodation for the 57,000 homeless households, including 80,000 children, while over 125,000 homes were either empty or unavailable for rental/purchase across the capital.

It is clear that the Government are ignoring their responsibility to protect people in the UK by allowing millions of vulnerable families to fall into poverty, homelessness and hunger and now more than ever the Government must step up to protect people.

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