Lib-Dems renew call over food poverty

Howard Sykes

THE leader of Oldham’s Liberal Democrat group has called on Labour councillors to help him establish a local Food Poverty Commission.

Councillor Howard Sykes has written to councillors Barbara Brownridge, cabinet member for communities and Sue Dearden, chair of the health and wellbeing board, for a second time.

Councillor Sykes said: “I’m sure every elected member shares my concern about the level of food poverty in our borough and the need for the council to take an active lead in addressing it.

“As the letter was sent very soon after World Food Day, I am sure that it will receive swift attention.”

In the note Councillor Sykes welcomed a recommendation that the council should establish a community shop alongside a food distribution centre.

Councillor Sykes first raised the possibility of a community shop in a council question in February, and wants to see it become an “immediate strategic priority” for the council.

The Lib-Dem group is calling on the council to establish more breakfast clubs, school holiday food clubs, community cafes, lunch clubs for the elderly and a home delivery service for the housebound.

Strategy

Councillor Sykes added: “I recognise that, in the current financial climate, the authority is not in a position to shoulder the financial burden for these activities, but these are all activities that should form part of a comprehensive strategy which we would like to see developed and delivered by a Food Poverty Commission.”