A coalition of food banks across the United Kingdom has issued an open letter to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, urging reform to the country’s housing support system ahead of the autumn Budget. The groups warn that the widening gap between Local Housing Allowance (LHA) rates and rising private rental costs is driving many households into financial hardship and increasing the risk of homelessness.

The letter, signed by over 30 food banks including Birmingham Central, Bristol North West, and Edinburgh Food Project, highlights that individuals from diverse backgrounds—such as teaching assistants, care workers, delivery drivers, shop workers, single parents, and disabled people—are being pushed to the brink. As housing support fails to keep pace with rent prices, these residents often must choose between paying rent and affording food, resulting in increased reliance on emergency food aid.

“People are being forced to decide between paying their rent and buying essentials,” the letter states. “Food banks exist to help with emergencies, but cannot fill the systemic gap created when housing support does not cover housing costs.”

Food bank representatives emphasize that relocating to more affordable areas is not a viable solution for many families, as cheaper housing options are scarce. Nicky Kenrick of Trafford South Foodbank noted that many are already living in the least expensive accommodations available and cannot move elsewhere to ease their financial pressures.

The signatories call for the government to restore the direct link between Local Housing Allowance rates and local rental markets, as it existed before 2016, to ensure housing support adequately reflects actual costs. They also urge the government to maintain this alignment in the long term to prevent further hardship and homelessness.

The appeal explicitly references Labour’s 2019 manifesto pledge to end the need for emergency food, suggesting that addressing housing support inadequacies is a critical step toward that goal.

As the UK government prepares its upcoming Budget, food banks are pressing for swift and sustained policy adjustments to provide better protection for vulnerable households struggling with housing costs and to reduce the growing dependency on emergency food assistance.