Food banks to get £75,000 hand-out

The cash-strapped authority is growing increasingly concerned about the number of people experiencing times of crisis.

Chiefs at the Labour-dominated authority, which needs to save £120 million by 2016 itself, say Government cuts are taking their toll.

The authority's finance boss, Councillor Steve Eling, today warned those same cuts could soon lead to 'begging bowl Britain'.

Councillor Eling, who will be asked to approve the one-off grants at a meeting on Thursday, said: "It worries me that we're turning into begging bowl Britain.

"It really is sad to think of so many families having to ask for help."

Previously people in need of help, who were referred by the council, were directed to collect food parcels from West Bromwich food bank, but there are now so many people asking, that it is proposed to support similar operations across the borough.

One-off grants to each of the five food banks should help supplement their donations and fundraising to meet their increasing demand for food.

Councillor Eling added: "It's quite clear to me that the demand for support is increasing.

"The number of people coming through the door who need help continues to go up and up.

"I hope that these grants will help people really working on the frontline to support families in need."

The following one-off grants are proposed – West Bromwich food bank to receive £30,000; Smethwick food bank £24,000; Wednesbury food bank (Breaking Bread) £12,000; Tipton food bank (The Well) £6,000 and Rowley food bank ( The James Project) to receive £3,000.

Another idea in the pipeline is for the facilities that dispense white goods on behalf of the council - which include Marbles in Great Bridge, Loaves 'n' Fishes in Cradley Heath and Community Transport in West Bromwich - to have more in stock to avoid delays for families in need.