Westminster lobby day with Trussell

Our Chair Maria, with volunteers Alison and Sophie, went to Westminster for a Trussell Trust organised Lobby Day in Parliament so that people could talk to their local MP about why Universal Credit does not cover the cost of life’s essentials, such as food and bills. Currently around five in six of low-income households receiving Universal Credit are going without and struggle to afford the essentials and reliance on foodbanks is increasing.

Around 700 people from across the country converged into Westminster to meet with around 200 local MPs and ask for their support on three things:

1. Bring in the full boost to the basic rate of Universal Credit (UC) from April 2026 instead of April 2029
2. Ensure the government seeks independent advice on setting the basic rate of  UC so it at least covers the essential living costs.
3. Bring in a protected minimum floor in UC to limit all deductions, not just some.

Maria Grindley, Chair said:

“It was a really productive day and we were proud to be part of lobby day along with 200 other food banks and charities from across the country.  We heard from people with lived experience and it brought home to us how complicated the benefits system can be, how difficult it is to manage everything on £92/week and that we need government to make changes urgently.”

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