Government on ‘Planet Zog’ while bakery teeters
THE owner of a community bakery fears her business may close due to the cost of living crisis.
Lucy Scott, who runs Northfield’s Lil’s Parlour, has “never felt less confident” her bakery will still exist in 12 months’ time.
The pay-what-you-can cafe sees customers choose the amount their willing to spend on baked goods. All profits are put back into the business and the local community.
But with costs rising, Ms Scott claims money coming in is no longer enough to cover “constant price hikes”.
She said: “This Government is so out-of-touch with normal people, I wonder if they actually reside on ‘Planet Zog’?
“My message to them is to speak to normal people on the street; wander around Aldi on a Monday afternoon and watch people choose between a tin of beans or a bag of pasta.
“Each day I am wiping the tears of local residents who feel desperate. These people are nurses, teachers, office workers and those holding up the economy in factories.
“I will provide my services for as long as I can, but even for someone like me, who is usually stoic and positive, it’s starting to feel like an impossible task.”
On recent challenges, Ms Scott added: “Just last week the price of 12 eggs increased by 40 per cent.
“It’s great to be busy, but I can’t help wonder if I am a busy fool, who is currently working for no salary. My main aim is to keep this ship sailing for the good of my community.
“We are a pay-as-you-can bakery and demand is starting to outstrip what I can provide.
“More people are accessing my services due to the cost of living crisis.
“The customers coming through my door are paying what they can, but this is simply not enough to cover the constant flurry of price hikes and changes.”