We are joining organisations across the country calling on Rishi Sunak to ensure the Spring Budget protects those already struggling with the cost of living.

As a member of PlaceShapers, we have signed an open letter to the Prime Minister – and you can also sign as an individual. https://act.38degrees.org.uk/act/together-through-this-petition

The calls are to:

  • Help us heat our homes - provide effective, ongoing support for people struggling to pay their energy bills during this crisis, and boost insulation so bills keep coming down.
  • Make sure kids aren't going hungry - by expanding free school meals to all children, prioritising families receiving Universal Credit or equivalent benefits.
  • Keep a roof over our heads - unfreezing housing benefit so people can stay in their homes as rents soar.
  • Give a lifeline when times are tough - when it becomes impossible to pay our bills and feed our families, a system which treats us with dignity and helps us get back on our feet.

Jacqui De-Rose, Chief Executive of Progress Housing Group, says: "We are seeing some really shocking examples of individuals and families having to make tough decisions because they cannot afford to heat their homes, pay their rent or eat hot meals. 

"As a socially responsible landlord, we are doing everything we can to support them, from running community shops and providing breakfast clubs in the community, to helping tenants purchase food and essential items as well as providing a sympathetic ear and referring to other relevant agencies. But this can only scratch the surface.

"We urge the Government to do more to support these families are who struggling to afford the bare essentials. And we encourage you all to sign the letter and ensure the Spring Budget protects those already struggling in the cost of living crisis."

 

The petition will be handed in to Downing Street ahead of the Spring Budget which takes place on 15 March.

As PlaceShapers members, we were part of a campaign ahead of the Autumn 2022 budget calling on Government to protect those struggling. The 404,00 strong petition helped Government see the strength of public feeling ahead of them announcing that benefits would be increased in line with inflation.

Full text of open letter to the Prime Minister:

Rishi Sunak and Jeremy Hunt: Don't let this become our new normal

Together we face a cost of living crisis, which has turned into a catastrophe.

In Britain in 2023, parents are having to choose between buying nappies or food, buying new school shoes or a winter coat; pensioners are going cold and skipping meals; disabled people are struggling to heat their homes or run vital medical equipment; and a quarter of us are kept up at night worrying about keeping the roof over our heads.

Don't let this become our new normal.

People are doing their best. Charities and volunteers are doing their bit, but the UK government needs to do its job. We're calling on the Prime Minister and the Chancellor, in the Spring Budget, to pull us out of this catastrophe and:

  • Help us heat our homes - provide effective, ongoing support for Brits struggling to pay our energy bills during this crisis, and boost insulation so our bills keep coming down.
  • Make sure kids aren't going hungry - by expanding free school meals to all children, prioritising families receiving Universal Credit or equivalent benefits.
  • Keep a roof over our heads - unfreezing housing benefit so we can stay in our homes as rents soar.
  • Give a lifeline when times are tough - when it becomes impossible to pay our bills and feed our families, a system which treats us with dignity and helps us get back on our feet.

Signed,

The British public + leading charities and organisations including PlaceShapers

 

Find out more, visit the open letter to the Prime Minister on the Placeshapers website.

Sign up for updates on your home, community and other services

We treat your personal data with care, view our privacy notice here: https://contactus.progressgroup.org.uk/forms/statements/

sign up for updates in your community