Following concern raised by residents and local officials, the Senedd Member for Abercowny - Janet Finch-Saunders MS - has today (12 May) asked the Welsh Government to rectify ongoing issues with the administration's food parcel delivery scheme.
The Welsh Government had previously announced that a free food box would be made available to those individuals classed as extremely vulnerable and unable to call on help from friends, family or a neighbour. The food boxes, which people request from their local authority, contain essential foods in packages and tins. They provide enough food for one person who is shielding for one week.
According to statistics provided to the Member, of the 138 parcels ordered by Conwy County Borough Council, only 105 have been successfully delivered.
Speaking of the situation, Janet Finch-Saunders MS said:
The Welsh Government must urgently rectify the issues with the direct delivery food scheme, ahead of its planned extension of eligibility criteria.
Time and time again, residents of North Wales have reported missed food parcel deliveries, dispatch to incorrect addresses, or invalid list removals by the Welsh Government of people who are otherwise eligible for this support. We can and must do better.
I also join with Conwy County Borough Council in asking Welsh Ministers to consider providing extra food parcels for local authorities to keep in reserve. This would allow our hardworking public officials to arrange for an emergency delivery should a person who desperately relies on such support be missed.
ENDS
