Laying It On The Table
20 November 2024
Messages of hope and hardship from communities across the country were taken to Westminster by Leanne Peat, a resident of emh.
Over the summer residents of PlaceShapers members have been adding messages to tablecloths to ‘Lay on the Table’ why low-income households need help to ensure they don’t have to go without the basics in a campaign co-ordinated by Joseph Rowntree Foundation and Trussell Trust.
On Wednesday 20 November, Leanne Peat and Jackie Sykes, emh’s Customer Voice Officer, joined campaigners to take the tablecloths and messages to Westminster.
The messages are from all ages, in languages reflecting the diversity of their communities.
Tablecloths at Westminster
Among the many resident messages are
“I run a breakfast club for families who need to feed their children. Hungry children cannot learn.”
bpha, Bedfordshire.
“We believe in a fair society that offers opportunity. Giving everyone access to healthy food, good quality housing and connection to a strong community makes for a better future for all.”
EastendHomes, London
“If people were protected from hardship they would feel they have a voice and be better able to meet the challenges presented by the cost of living crisis and lead more fulfilling lives.”
South Lakes Housing, Cumbria
"Cost of living impacts my life pretty much on a daily basis. Simple things like gas and electric: am I going to be able to afford the bill when it comes in? Am I going to be able to afford my water? Which one do I prioritise? What was a simple shop is now a budget shop. I have to take my calculator.
Ongo Homes, Scunthorpe
Campaigners at Westminster
After visiting Westminster, Leanne Peat said: “This campaign has highlighted the strength of feeling across the nation to put this crisis in the heart of Government spotlight.”
Jackie Sykes said: “I felt it was important to support today’s event on behalf of the many emh residents that had told us their story as part of Laying It On The Table. Only by working together can we make the voice of the people heard loud and clear.”
Matthew Walker, PlaceShapers Chair and Chief Executive of Leeds Federated, said: “Residents of PlaceShapers members are more likely to be in lower paid jobs and affected far more than others by the cost of living crisis. It’s part of our role as PlaceShapers to ensure politicians understand the impact the crisis is having on communities. Members are doing all they can to provide the support residents need to weather the crisis and it’s vital the Government does all it can to protect those who are hardest hit – with support for low-income households a priority.”
In her Autumn Budget speech, Chancellor Rachel Reeves said she had listened to the views of JRF/ Trussell Trust before deciding to introduce the Universal Credit Fair Repayment Rate; a measure that had been set out in a private letter signed by 200 organisations including PlaceShapers.
Why members are active in the Guarantee Our Essentials campaign
Forhana Begum, EastendHomes Resident Board Member said: "EastendHomes and our resident community are proud to be part of the 'Guarantee Our Essentials' campaign and drive for fairness and equality. Knowing that we’ve made a difference highlights the strength of the Placeshaper network and the power of a collective voice.”
Kate Wareing, Chief Executive of Soha, said: “Particularly with its call for a regular review of the benefits baseline, this campaign is a vital one for Soha residents. We see daily examples of how those receiving Universal Credit alone can’t make it stretch to the necessities of life – and that’s before the heating goes on.”
Richard Hill, Chief Executive of bpha, said: “This is an important message to our government and comes directly from those struggling to stretch benefit payments to cover essentials. The many similar experiences being shared across the UK highlights the scale of the issue and we’re pleased to be able to support customers in raising awareness.”
Chan Kataria, Chief Executive of emh, said: “It goes to the heart of what we’re all about – to think and work beyond bricks and mortar, and to invest in every aspect of people’s lives; from jobs, skills and education, to health, wellbeing and digital inclusion. It also shows our commitment to hearing residents’ voices and giving them a greater say in how we provide homes and support.”
Claire Higgins, Chief Executive of Cross Keys Homes and Vice Chair of PlaceShapers, said: “Providing support to our residents to help them access the correct benefits is a very important part of our work and is often a lifeline for many. We want to ensure no one goes without the basics in life and are pleased to be strongly supporting this campaign to call for an Essentials Guarantee within Universal Credit."
Aniekan Umoren, Chief Executive of Christian Action (Enfield) said: ‘As a community-based housing provider, we are committed to providing safe, affordable homes and services that reflect local needs. Our tenants deserve the right to dignity and the best quality of life away from poverty. Christian Action Housing will continue to support our tenants and partners to achieve this basic human right.’
