There is a vital role for the voluntary sector, but it must be underpinned by a welfare state that covers life’s essentials, writes Andrew Forsey. Plus letters from Peter Curbishley and Mike Stein
Your leader could not have been more timely (The Guardian view on charities and the cost of living crisis: overwhelming needs, 26 December). As 2022 gives way to 2023, so the 80th anniversary of William Beveridge’s social insurance blueprint gives way to a different milestone, that of the 75th anniversary of his later report on voluntary action. Both anniversaries should prompt an opportunity to review and reshape our country’s strategy for countering poverty and destitution.
There will remain in each community a vital role for charities, such as affordable food clubs. But such efforts can only be truly effective in preventing that suffering if the people they serve have adequate household incomes to cover life’s essentials. Right now, all too many people do not – partly due to benefit deductions and sanctions.
