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Budget Targets Cost-of-Living Crisis Amid Food Bank Surge

11/24/2025

46 7 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Chancellor Rachel Reeves' upcoming Budget aims to address the cost-of-living crisis.
A Kent mother describes relying on food banks to support her four children as prices rise.
Whitstable food bank now distributes more than 1,100 parcels monthly, up from 450 in 2019.
Inflation eased to 3.6% overall, while food inflation remains at 4.9%.
Experts warn that essentials prices are the new normal amid stagnant wages and higher living costs.

History

Historical Context

Following the 2010 UK general election, a coalition government led by Prime Minister David Cameron implemented severe austerity measures to address a record peacetime deficit. These cuts, the most drastic since World War II, led to a 200% increase in food bank usage by 2019, highlighting the ongoing cost-of-living crisis that Chancellor Rachel Reeves now confronts, with food banks distributing over 1,100 parcels monthly.

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Story summary

Chancellor Rachel Reeves' upcoming Budget aims to address the cost-of-living crisis.
A Kent mother describes relying on food banks to support her four children as prices rise.
Whitstable food bank now distributes more than 1,100 parcels monthly, up from 450 in 2019.
Inflation eased to 3.6% overall, while food inflation remains at 4.9%.
Experts warn that essentials prices are the new normal amid stagnant wages and higher living costs.

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