Nearly 7,500 children in Havering do not have enough food to eat.

Nearly 7,500 children do not have enough food to eat in Havering, new data from London Assembly Labour reveals. Local Assembly Member Elly Baker said it is “devastating” that children are living in families that cannot afford basic necessities, including food. Ms Baker warned that the government’s “reckless inaction” on the cost of living crisis is pulling many more people into poverty.

The 2021-22 Survey of Londoners found that 14% of children aged under 16 had ‘low’ or ‘very low’ food security, equivalent to a minimum 237,000 children across the capital.7,319 of these live in Havering, new data compiled by London Assembly Labour shows.

London boroughs make up five of the top ten UK areas with the highest levels of child poverty.

Following the single biggest interest rate rise for 33 years the Bank of England has warned that the UK is facing the longest recession since records began. It comes as inflation is set to hit 11% – driven by rising food costs. Grocery prices were 14.7% higher than a year ago in October, driving up the average food bill by £682 per year.

Research by the Food Foundation found that food insecurity doubled nationally in 2022, while the Independent Food Aid Network’s survey for September – October 2022 shows 91% of food banks saw demand rise since July this year.

Ms Baker is calling on the government tackle soaring food prices, energy bills, rents and mortgage rates by uplifting Londoners’ pay, or benefits, in line with inflation, and by introducing universal free school meals for all primary and secondary school children during term time and school holidays.

London Assembly Member, Elly Baker AM, said:

“It is devastating that children are waking up, going to school, going out to play and going to bed, hungry.

“Reckless inaction by Ministers on the cost of living is pushing people towards poverty and putting children’s development at risk.

“The financial turmoil caused by botched government budgets is having a crippling impact on public services, homes, livelihoods, and pensions.

“We need government action now. Without it, it will not be a case of choosing between heating, or eating, it will leave many Londoners not being able to afford either.”