New analysis from Oldham Labour estimates that 43,572 people in Oldham Borough are skipping meals or eating less thanks to the deepening cost of living crisis.

The analysis, based on Resolution Foundation research, follows the figures from the ONS released in May showing food inflation at a staggering 19.1% – its fastest pace in 40 years. The report warns that “…by this summer the average increase in food costs since 2019-20 (£1,000) will be larger than that for energy bills (around £900)…The food price shock is about to overtake the energy price shock as the biggest threat to family finances.

Publishing the analysis, Oldham Cabinet Member for Finance and Corporate Services, Labour’s Cllr Abdul Jabbar said, “It is a disgrace that whilst nearly one in five people are having to eat less due to soaring food and energy prices, our scandal-ridden government refuses to take any action to support struggling residents.

“I am proud that locally, Labour has stepped up to support residents in Oldham with our £3million We Can Help scheme. Through direct grants, community groups, and advice on other support available we have been able to help thousands of residents over the last few months.

“When I saw the latest inflation figures and thought about what they would mean for local families it made me angry to think that the Tories and Failsworth Independents voted to end this vital support. I urge anyone who needs any support to call the Council Helpline on 0161 770 7007 or visit www.oldham.gov.uk/wecanhelp .

Oldham’s Deputy leader Shaid Mushtaq added “Oldham Tories and the Tory government have both shown time and time again that they are completely out of touch with the problems facing real people in our borough.

“The government have no plan to tackle their cost-of-living crisis. They tried to spin these inflation figures that will spell misery for thousands of residents across Oldham as good news. They have tried to blame international factors, but we are faring much worse than comparable countries. The weak Prime Minister can’t take decisive action because of divisions in his own party. Locally, the Tories, with their Independent allies, voted to end Labour’s We Can Help scheme and would have scrapped this vital support for residents had they taken control in May.

“We need a Labour government urgently that is able to take on the energy companies, will fix the supply issues in the governments’ botched Brexit deal, and will take the steps to get our economy working again in every part of the country.”