The Progressive Alliance which runs Milton Keynes City Council has released new analysis, based on research by Kantar and More In Common, which shows that a staggering 54,041 people in Milton Keynes are missing meals because of the cost-of-living crisis.

The analysis also shows that:

• More than half of adults (137,804 people) in Milton Keynes have been forced to cut down on their electricity or heating
• 21,616 people have been forced to use a foodbank as the cost of food has spiralled out of control

Councillor Jane Carr, Liberal Democrat Progressive Alliance Cabinet Member for the cost-of-living crisis, said:

“The cost of living crisis is getting worse and worse and it is driving families in Milton Keynes to make heart-breaking choices. Yet instead of stepping in to help, the Conservatives have made things worse through their reckless and irresponsible actions. I am proud of the Progressive Alliance for stepping up where the Government has failed by providing practical support for the most vulnerable through our multi-million-pound Winter Plan.”

Milton Keynes City Council’s £3.3m Winter Plan, presented to Cabinet on 1^st November, highlights how the City Council will provide direct financial support for those struggling with bills, energy and housing costs, while also working with partners to provide practical initiatives such as warm spaces.

Last week, the City Council announced it would be giving an extra £80,000 to the MK Foodbank as part of the Winter Plan so the Foodbank can create 88 new ‘top-up shops’ which help families buy food cheaply without having to rely on food parcels.

Councillor Emily Darlington, Labour Progressive Alliance Cabinet Member for Healthy Communities, added:

“It is clear that Milton Keynes City Council is doing all it can to support families through the toughest financial crisis in a generation. We have allocated more than £21m to helping people through the cost-of-living crisis this year, but we can’t do it all. The Government must do more and provide additional relief to struggling families before it is too late.”