Liberal Democrat councillors Garth Harkness and Julia Turner will be proposing an amendment to a Labour motion at tonight’s full Council meeting calling for concrete action to address food poverty and insecurity in our borough

The Labour motion backed by Cllr Ball references the End Hunger UK campaign.

The Liberal Democrats want to enhance this by setting out a programme of practical steps to help those who are hungry in the borough.

Councillor Garth Harkness, Liberal Democrat, Saddleworth North, who is proposing the amendment explained why:

“It is scandalous that in a country like ours, with one of the world’s most advanced economies and access to a plentiful variety of foodstuffs, that some poorer people in our borough still go hungry. This is particularly scandalous when these residents are children, elderly people and the vulnerable.

“As a body, Oldham Council has a legal duty to look after public health and the Liberal Democrats believe that the council should take a lead on this issue by establishing a comprehensive plan of action – a recipe if you will – to address food poverty and insecurity in our borough.”

The amendment is backed by Councillor Julia Turner, Liberal Democrat, Crompton.

 Cllr Turner added:

“At various times in the past Liberal Democrats have suggested these ideas to members of the Labour Administration, either in full Council or in letters to senior Councillors. Once again we have come up with some common-sense ideas to support those in need which will make a huge difference in our poorer communities. We are not saying that these will solve all of the problems, but they will be a big help.

“We now need to act to ensure that not one of our residents goes hungry and we must do it now – the time for talk is over.

“As this is a non-party political issue, I hope that the amendment will receive cross-party support”.

The amendment calls for an action plan specifically to:

• Establish breakfast clubs in every school and academy in the borough where there is a need for one

• Establish school holiday food clubs across the borough where there is a need

• Establish more community cafes, where people in need can access cheap and nutritious meals; community shops, where they can buy good quality surplus food cheaply; and community kitchens, where they can cook their own food rather than having to choose at home whether to use fuel to heat or eat

• Work with N-Power to bring their Fuel Voucher scheme to Oldham

• Host a workshop for schools, academies, faith groups and voluntary sector partners at which organisations offering financial, food and in-kind support can be invited to make presentations to and network with prospective local partners

• Engage with local food retailers to access more of the surplus food that is currently thrown away

• Promote the take up of Healthy Start Vouchers to eligible residents