Oral QuestionDepartment for Work and Pensions

What recent assessment his Department has made of the potential relationship between increases in the cost of living and trends in the use of food banks.

Tabled: 30 January 2024Answered: 5 February 2024

Asked by

Helen Hayes

LabourDulwich and West Norwood

Answering Minister

the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions

Answer from Hansard

The Deputy Prime Minister

Every child deserves the opportunity to succeed in school and beyond, and I am sorry to hear of the experience in my hon. Friend’s constituency. Last week, I visited Ravensfield primary school in my constituency, and its school council had a lot to say about the resources to our schools. We have increased the core schools budget by £2.3 billion next year, increasing per-pupil funding in real terms. As her constituency is the home of the British Army, I know she will also welcome the expansion of childcare support to service families deployed overseas, saving families around £3,400 a year. I am happy to ensure that she gets a meeting with the relevant Minister.