Kings Speech: what will it take to end the need for food banks?

Tomorrow the new government will lay out it's legislative agenda for this Parliament. It's set to be jam-packed, with 35 bills. But what do we at the Trussell Trust want to see to deliver the government's commitment to 'end the mass dependence on emergency food parcels'?

1. Workers rights. Legislation to create new rights to job security, predictable hours and flexible work. Backed by a properly resourced single enforcement body. A living wage that takes account of the cost of living, and extending statutory sick pay to all workers.

2. Renters Reform Bill. A real one. Abolish Section 21 & end 'no fault' evictions. Raise standards by extending 'Awaabs law' to the PRS. Empower renters to challenge unreasonable rent rises.

3. Social housing. Planning reform with a strong focus on affordable homes & specific commitment to deliver 90,000 new social homes a year in England.

4. Local devolution. A 'Take Back Control Bill'. Devolving more powers to to mayors and councils over transport, skills, energy. Emphasis on local decision makers working with communities and the voluntary & community sector.

A Kings Speech including these Bills would be an excellent start to delivering Labour's pledge to turn back the tide of hunger, hardship & debt that has swept across the UK in recent years. We then need to see it followed up by an Autumn Budget that prioritises urgent action to prevent hardship rising and start reducing the worst of it this Winter through:

- A new protected minimum amount in Universal Credit, reducing the impact of unaffordable debt deductions & the Benefit Cap.

- Support for private renters by keeping Local Housing Allowance set according to actual rents. (Currently it's due to be frozen again from next year).

- Extend the Household Support Fund by at least 6 months, ideally a year. (Currently due to end in September, which would be catastrophic for local crisis support across England. Extend it for a year whilst we all work together on a better long-term replacement.)

A Kings Speech with these Bills + a Budget with these urgent measures would show that the government is serious about tackling the appalling hardship across the country.

Trussell Trust stands ready to work with government to support communities right now and together develop a long-term strategy to end the need for food banks for good. But we can't wait for growth or a long-term plan - we need urgent action now.