A collective of more than 50 organisations from across the North East have called on Chancellor Jeremy Hunt to strengthen the 'threadbare safety net' for families in the region ahead of this month's Autumn statement. 

Joining forces through the North East Child Poverty Commission, the group has written to Mr Hunt to warn that further cuts will 'exacerbate already high levels of child poverty and destitution.'

They also warned that charitable organisations' budgets are at 'breaking point', at a time when donations are 'outstripped' by the level of need in the North East. 

The Northern Echo: With energy bills going up alongside other household items, the group are worried it will impact North East residentsWith energy bills going up alongside other household items, the group are worried it will impact North East residents (Image: PA MEDIA)

But the Department for Work and Pensions has said that it has increased benefits by over ten per cent this year online to protect vulnerable people in society.

It's expected that within the chancellor's speech, which will be delivered on November 22, the government may not increase social security payments by inflation next April; something the collective has urged Mr Hunt to rethink.

Writing the letter to the chancellor on Wednesday (November 8), the organisations said: "Forcing low-income families – who have borne the brunt of the cost of living crisis – to endure yet another real term cut to their budgets is unthinkable, and would only exacerbate already high levels of child poverty and destitution, the most severe form of material hardship, in the North East."

The Northern Echo: The North East Child Poverty Commission has written the letter with the 50 North East signatories The North East Child Poverty Commission has written the letter with the 50 North East signatories (Image: The Northern Echo)

In County Durham, the Community Foundation has pinpointed how vital it is that benefits keep up with inflation. 

The County Durham Community Foundation has linked it with its recent research with Health Equity North, which showed how the consequences of poverty impact people’s lives in our region.

The data showed that because of poverty, people in County Durham live shorter lives, are more likely to have a life-limiting long-term illness and children are more likely to be admitted to hospital.

The Northern Echo: Chancellor Jeremy HuntChancellor Jeremy Hunt (Image: PA MEDIA)

Michelle Cooper, the chief executive of County Durham Community Foundation, said: “When the cost of essentials goes up, but Universal Credit does not, the already high levels of child poverty we see in our region are exacerbated.

"More and more families will endure real-term cuts to their budgets, impacting not just food, warmth or security today; but health, education and opportunities tomorrow.

"That’s why increasing Universal Credit in line with inflation is so important, we need to alleviate the pressures and impacts of poverty, not burden families further.

The Northern Echo: Michelle Cooper, the chief executive of County Durham Community FoundationMichelle Cooper, the chief executive of County Durham Community Foundation (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

She added: "An appropriate increase will mean families with children have enough money and security of income to meet their basic needs and can make sure children have enough healthy food to eat.

"This support today gives everyone a chance at a better, brighter, healthier, more enriched life tomorrow.”

The letter from the collective groups goes on to highlight that more than half of all babies, children and young people growing up in the North East of England are in families relying on Universal Credit or other benefits. 

The Northern Echo: It's believed that the level of benefits won't keep up with inflation in the chancellor's autumn statement It's believed that the level of benefits won't keep up with inflation in the chancellor's autumn statement (Image: submitted)

The 50 organisations backing the letter, which has been sent to all North East MPs, have urged the Chancellor to use his Autumn Statement on November 22 to confirm that social security payments will be increased at least by inflation (6.7 per cent) from April.

They have further called on him to commit to review the adequacy of this support going forward, to ensure it at least always covers the cost of household essentials.

The letter added: "An increasing number of organisations across our region – whether charities or community organisations, schools or colleges, local authorities or healthcare providers – are now dealing with the impacts of unacceptable levels of hardship on a daily basis.

The Northern Echo: Paul Butler, the Bishop of DurhamPaul Butler, the Bishop of Durham (Image: Northern Echo)

"Many are already supporting growing numbers of families to access basic essentials, on a scale that is simply not sustainable when donations are far outstripped by levels of need and already overstretched budgets are at breaking point."

Among those that have signed the letter from the region include education groups, charities, advice centres, food banks, and religious organisations. 

One of those who backed the letter is The Bishop of Durham, The Right Reverend Paul Butler, who told The Northern Echo: “A large number of families, and therefore children, who are more than struggling to make ends meet in our region must be high on the Chancellor’s priority list.

"Our nation undoubtedly faces deep challenges but those who are youngest and poorest should not be those who bear the brunt of the pain.”

Michele Deans, Interim Chair of the North East Child Poverty Commission, said: "Our social security system should provide people facing tough times with a dignified safety net, yet it’s becoming increasingly clear that it is completely failing to protect North East families – both in out of work – from poverty.

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"It isn’t even delivering what should be its most basic function of eradicating destitution, when growing numbers of organisations across our region are stepping in to support children and young people to access the most basic essentials, such as food, clothing, toiletries or other items like beds.

In response to the concerns set out by the 50 North East organisations, a Department for Work and Pensions spokesperson said: “We increased benefits by over ten per cent this year in order to protect the most vulnerable from the impact of high inflation.

“As is the usual process, the Secretary of State will conduct his statutory annual review of benefits and State Pensions using the most recent data available.”