Councillors call to extend anti-poverty Multibank initiative into Carmarthenshire
The shocking fact that so many people depend on foodbanks in 21st century Britain is “a poor reflection on successive UK Governments”, Carmarthenshire County Council heard at its meeting today (Wednesday 9 April).
While agreeing to actively explore with relevant partners the potential for an anti-poverty Multibank initiative in Carmarthenshire, Plaid Cymru members demanded concerted action at the highest level to eradicate the need for foodbanks in Wales and the UK as a whole.
Plaid Cymru Cabinet member Cllr Alun Lenny said: ” We realise that the journey out of austerity, and its impact on poorer families in particular, will not be achieved overnight, but UK Labour Government policies are making things worse. By slashing disability benefits, Chancellor Rachel Reeves is trying to balance the books on the backs of the poorest and most vulnerable people in our communities. This will inevitably increase pressure on foodbank.”
The Cwtch Mawr Multibank, which directs clothes, bedding and furniture to those most in need, is currently based at Swansea. The Plaid-led council agreed to support its extension into Carmarthenshire.
Cllr Lenny said: “Any partnership aimed at helping families and individuals going through difficult times is obviously welcome. The County Council will give full support to the Multibank as long as it’s not to the detriment of existing successful ventures in Carmarthenshire.”
Advertisement The proviso was echoed by Cllr Hefin Jones who said: “We must not underestimate the role of local organisations and charities in our county that have been working for years – decades even – to alleviate the pain of deprivation and poverty. Foodbanks do fantastic work in towns, while the County Council’s Hwb Bach y Wlad venture in addressing the hidden poverty in rural communities.”
Cllr Jones accused Labour of hypocrisy in backing the Multibank venture on the one hand, while creating more poverty through their policies in London and Cardiff on the other.
He said: “As well as the benefits cuts, the National Insurance changes introduced by the UK Government will result in job losses, in particular amongst the lowest paid, as the threshold at which employers have to start paying NI is lowered to £5,000. This will hit people in urban and rural areas.
“Meanwhile, the Welsh Government’s own impact assessment on the last set of Sustainable Farming Scheme proposals foresees a direct loss of 5,000 jobs in rural Wales. This does not include job losses in the wider supply chain and associated industries, many of which are based in towns and larger villages. While we strive as a council to tackle poverty, Labour is pulling the carpet from under our feet.”
The Council agreed to ask its cross-party Tackling Poverty Advisory Panel to develop costed proposals associated with the Multibank for consideration and approval by Cabinet, including the options for securing external funding.
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Stuart Bain 
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