Macartney calls on council to act as Newtownards Foodbank Use Soars by 47%

A local foodbank in Newtownards has experienced a 47% increase in demand for its services in the first six months of this year, the Newtownards Chronicle has reported.

Newtownards Green Party Representative, Maurice has called for council to act in the absence of an Executive.

Maurice said: “These headlines show we’re already facing a crisis in nutrition and healthcare, but we already know inflation and heating costs are about to soar just as temperatures drop. We are careening towards a cliff edge that will tip us beyond crisis, into full scale social emergency – and in Stormont, there’s no one at the steering wheel.”

“While I commend the efforts of staff and volunteers at Newtownards and other food banks, and those who donate to them, it is the responsibility of government at all levels to ensure there is healthy food and adequate shelter for all in our communities.”

“The DUP need to set aside their boycott of the power sharing institutions and take emergency action to tackle these problems.”

“However, in the continued absence of the Executive, I am calling on Ards & North Down Borough Council to develop an emergency action plan, looking at any and all areas where they can support vulnerable residents feeling the effects of the Cost of Living and Energy Crisis.”

“In the long term, and just as urgently, we need to look at the causes and not just the symptoms of the situation we find ourselves in. We need to plan for a just transition away from fossil fuels, and towards a more equitable, more sustainable and more democratic system.”