Politicians sitting on their hands as families in grip of poverty crisis brace themselves for a bleak Christmas

THERE is a hidden poverty in west Belfast that means Christmas will be a time of crisis and unnecessary suffering for many families.

I recently met with staff and volunteers at the Cupar Street food bank, which, so far this year, has distributed 478 emergency food parcels. It expects to double that number in the run-up to Christmas.

People might have heard of food banks, but I don’t think they fully understand what people are having to live through every single day: they are an essential lifeline for thousands of families.

The latest Joseph Rowntree Trust report on poverty shows a steady rise in the number of families and children living below the poverty line. What is particularly disturbing is that more and more people with jobs are having to rely on food banks due to rising prices and low wages.

None of this is necessary. It is the result of a number of vicious political decisions. Poverty and a reliance on food banks can be eliminated by well-paid, secure employment, increased tax credits and more help with housing. That raises serious questions about the role of our elected politicians.

I make no apology for saying — and saying again — that west Belfast has the highest levels of child poverty in Northern Ireland. But poverty is not just about food; it is about the impact it has on young people for the rest of their lives.

This poverty crisis has escalated in recent years and it will bring a very grim Christmas for many local families. While all of this has been happening, what have our elected representatives been doing?

This is happening on their watch. There is talk, but no action. That will bring no comfort whatsoever to those facing a dismal and depressing Christmas.

JOANNE LOWRY Workers Party Springfield Road, Belfast