Ways to take action – January policy update

Date Published: 15 Jan 2025
Note book on desk with post it notes on top. Green post it on top reads Policies Update

“Among our tasks as witnesses to the love of Christ is that of giving a voice to the cry of the poor, so that they are not abandoned to the laws of an economy that seems at times to treat people as mere consumers.”  Pope Francis 

Our charity works to drive and influence tangible and sustainable change for people in Greater Manchester and Lancashire, by advocating and campaigning for changes to policies, systems and attitudes, and working to raise awareness and understanding of the issues and the change that is needed. 

These monthly policy updates will keep you informed about what we’re doing to call for change and will let you know about ways you might be able to join us in making a difference. 

Hopefully you’ll be inspired to actively participate and make a difference in your community. We’d love to hear from you if you do, so get in touch and let us know what you’ve been up to. 

 

Sharing our work with Members of Parliament 

Part of our work calling for change involves meeting with people who hold positions where they can influence decisions and call for changes to legislation and policies which affect the people we work with at our services and in our wider communities.

Group of people standing outside Cornerstone centre smiling at camera

Last month, we were pleased to have the opportunity to meet with two MPs whose constituencies are in the Diocese of Salford and share with them about our services and some of the challenges facing people accessing them. 

Afzal Khan, MP for Manchester Rusholme, visited our Cornerstone Centre and Morning Star accommodation, and we were able to give him a tour and tell him more about our work with people experiencing or at risk of homelessness.  

We were also visited at Red Door, our day centre in Bury, by James Frith, MP for Bury North, who also had a tour of the service and heard more about the work we’re doing in his constituency alongside people who are at risk of or experiencing homelessness. 

Group of people standing outside Red Door day centre smiling at camera

At both meetings, we had the opportunity to share a number of the policy changes we’re calling for which are essential to help people most in need in our communities, and we were pleased that both MPs were keen to engage with us as we work to help people transform their lives with dignity. 

In particular, we drew attention to our campaign to end the two-child limit and benefits cap which has a significant impact on larger families and the lack of availability of mental health and support services for children.   

 

Advice about energy costs 

You may be aware that the energy price cap has been increased by 1.2% from the beginning of January 2025. The energy price cap is the maximum amount that energy suppliers can charge for each unit of energy and for the standing charges. We know that the rising cost of energy continues to have a significant impact on so many across the diocese and beyond, and as of July last year, there were 5.6 million households in the UK experiencing fuel poverty. 

This is why we will continue to advocate for changes to help people who are struggling with the cost of living, including calling for the introduction of a social tariff for energy for people on low-incomes and with disabilities or chronic conditions. 

There are also a number of ways in which people may be able to take action if they feel they may be unable to pay for their energy costs this winter, including accessing support from our Energy Advice team.  

Take a look at this blog to find out more, and have a think about if there is anyone in your community who might benefit from some advice about energy costs this winter you could send it on to.

Top of a radiator with coins on it

Increase in poverty rates in 2024 

The Social Metrics Commission, who work to measure poverty in the UK, has found that the rate of poverty is higher now than at any point in the 21st century. The Social Metrics Commission was established to develop a new approach to measuring poverty in order to help policymakers such as the Government effectively tackle poverty and be held to account.  

The Commission’s 2024 report (Social Metrics Commission – 2024 report – Social Metrics Commission) has found that nearly a quarter of people the UK are experiencing poverty today, which is around 16 million people.

Sadly, rates have increased most significantly for children, and more than a third of children in the country are living in poverty. This is why we will continue to shout loudly about the changes that are so desperately needed to bring children and families out of poverty, such as an end to the two-child benefit cap, and we hope to see an end to this policy in 2025. 

The report highlights further injustices, as rates of poverty have also increased among people who have a disability, and over half of people experiencing poverty live in a family that includes a disabled person. Poverty rates are also higher for Black and Minority Ethnic families, demonstrating the injustice of poverty, which we must all continue to recognise and speak out about.   

Please join us in speaking up against injustices by sharing our social media posts and campaigns and looking for opportunities to influence for change in your local community.

 

Positive change for newly-recognised refugees 

Along with many organisations, we have been calling for an extension to the move-on period for people newly granted refugee status when they exit asylum support and accommodation. One of our policy asks has been that the move-on period is extended from 28 days to 56 days, which is in line with the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017.  

We were pleased that the Home Office announced in December a temporary extension to 56 days, which we hope will reduce the risk of homelessness for many people, since they will be able to seek assistance from their local authority earlier and have more time to prepare for the significant change in their circumstances.  

We will continue to call for the extension to be made permanent, and we look forward to hearing about the ways in which this change will positively impact the people we work with.  

To find out more about our policy and advocacy work and ways you can get involved, visit https://www.caritassalford.org.uk/about/policy-and-advocacy/

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