The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Means testing plea over cash aid packages
The boss of Tesco has said the UK Government should make cost-of-living support “more targeted” for the vulnerable as he warned over food poverty.
Ken Murphy, chief executive of the supermarket giant, said he has seen positive signs of shopping behaviour since energy bill support was handed out to households from October.
But he suggested that improvements could still be made to financial aid.
Mr Murphy said: “It looks like the action by the government has helped but I believe it can be more targeted in the form of who it helps, to help the vulnerable.
“There should be a case for more means testing with support.
“There is a certain responsibility that should be shared by businesses, government and communities to help those most at need.”
Mr Murphy said he “cannot predict” if food poverty will worsen but said Tesco is steadfast in its commitment to keeping prices affordable for all customers amid the uncertain backdrop.
It came as the retailer launched it first “reverse supermarket”, where shoppers can purchase food for donations for vulnerable people rather than for themselves.
Tesco is working with charity partners Fareshare and The Trussell Trust for the Give Back Express pop-up shop in central London over this weekend.
Fareshare has forecast that it will redistribute more than 13,000 tonnes of food to people this winter as rampant energy bill rises weigh on households.
The Trussell Trust also confirmed that 320,000 people used a foodbank for the first time between April to September this year and warned that demand is continuing to rise.
Tesco said this winter will be “increasingly challenging” for many families as it hailed support from customers and staff through food donations.
Mr Murphy said the retailer has witnessed more customers turning to value product ranges.
He said: “We have seen many shoppers pricing down, which highlights the importance of having a range of pricing.
“I expect the demand for these lines will still be strong over the next 12 or 24 months.”
Fareshare chief executive Lindsay Boswell said: “The cost-of-living crisis is driving millions of people into food insecurity.
“The demand for food from Fareshare has skyrocketed, with 75% of our charities telling us they need access to more food.”
Emma Revie, chief executive at The Trussell Trust, said: “At a time when foodbanks are facing a tsunami of need, we would like to share a heartfelt thanks to Tesco for their ongoing commitment to helping the Trussell Trust provide people with access to essential items, while we work to create a future where everyone is free from hunger for good.”