Cost of living: Why Sutton Coldfield food bank is seeing an increase in middle class users

Terry Dockery set up this food bank at Sutton Coldfield Town Hall at the start of the pandemic.

The Royal Town has been named as the fourth least deprived areas in the country.

And while users are from socially deprived backgrounds, more middle class users are coming to rely on their services.

Terry says a delay factor in people getting benefits can play a big part in them managing and not managing with household necessities.

Chancellor Rishi Sunak has been criticised for failing to come up with any further help for energy bills, beyond what was announced prior to the Spring Statement - the £200 loan coming in October.

He has also been criticised for his decision not to raise benefits in line with inflation.

The Resolution Foundation Think Tank has warned that 1.3 million people could fall into poverty in 2022 due to the cost of living squeeze.

Hope Food North Birmingham is also helping people who are struggling with the rising cost of living in Sutton Coldfield, they run similar projects across the area.

Volunteer Joan James advises: “Don’t be too proud to ask for help.”

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