BASW backs calls for government action on cost-of-living crisis

BASW UK and SWU have added their support to an open letter co-ordinated by Save the Children to the Prime Minister and Chancellor, urging them to use the upcoming Spring Budget to tackle the cost-of-living catastrophe.

Some of the UK’s biggest charities and organisations – Little Village, Save the Children, Shelter, Turn2us, and 38 Degrees – have teamed up to create the Together Through This Crisis initiative to bring people together to lend a helping hand through the cost-of-living crisis.

A poll from this initiative questioned people in both the 100 most deprived and the 100 least deprived constituencies in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. It found that nationally, 37% of people are ending the month with no money left over, while nearly one-quarter (24%) run out of money for essentials either most months or most days. 67% of respondents described the UK government as “not doing enough” to address the cost-of-living crisis.

Sign the open letter to ask the Prime Minister and the Chancellor to do their jobs in the upcoming Spring Budget.

Over 40,000 people have signed the open letter calling for the UK Government to stop this crisis from becoming the new normal. Our asks include:

  • 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.

View the full letter and add your support here.

Social Work Stands Against Poverty

BASW UK continues to work with partner organisations and the social work profession to raise awareness of the devastating impacts of poverty and demand that policy-makers bring forward immediate and targeted support for those being hardest hit by the cost of living crisis.

Find out about our campaign activity and how you can get involved here.