Gordon Brown launches London’s first ‘multibank’ amid UK child poverty fears | Poverty

London’s first “multibank”, distributing everything from basic foods to baby products and toiletries, will officially launch this week amid ongoing concerns about poverty levels ahead of the school summer holidays.

The opening of Felix’s Multibank, which has the backing of former prime minister Gordon Brown and London mayor Sadiq Khan, is the latest in a growing network of multibanks.

Brown said the new project comes at a time when the country’s approach to poverty is about to change. Labour has consistently called for Keir Starmer to take stronger action on child poverty.

Brown said: “The Felix Multibank in London is the fourth of six that will open by the end of the year in Britain. It opens at a time of transition from a Britain where child poverty has increased dramatically to one where we want to see child poverty reduced.

“While a new poverty reduction plan is being developed, multi-food banks still need to secure more supplies and funds from generous donors so that, together with food banks, we can provide relief to poverty.”

While the concept was pioneered in Fife, Scotland, multi-banks are already operating in Greater Manchester and Swansea. Thousands of families are set to benefit from the new scheme in west London, run by the Felix Project, which sources surplus food from the food industry that would otherwise go to waste.

Supplies donated by companies, with Amazon being the largest contributor, will be distributed directly to teachers, social workers and other groups working directly with those struggling to afford basic necessities.

Some government funding has also been provided towards the running costs of the London site, while Amazon is also helping to manage the logistics of the operation. New research this month has revealed the extent of concerns among teaching staff about children’s health this summer, when those who need it will not have access to free school meals and other support provided during term time.

More than two-thirds of teachers in England recently said they were worried that at least one child in their class would go hungry during the summer holidays because their parents or carers could not afford to feed them, according to a survey by the group Teacher Tapp.

In London, a survey of 1,118 teachers also found that 68% believed at least one child in their class would go hungry because their parents or carers would not be able to afford to feed them during the holidays. Nearly half were worried about one to three pupils.

Proponents of the multibank model say it can be a powerful tool to combat local poverty by redistributing inventory that cannot be sold and accepting donations from the corporate world.

However, charities continue to express concern that food banks and related projects have now become a permanent part of the response to hardship, due to cuts to the welfare state.

Khan said it was “appalling that so many families are left without basic necessities and are forced to turn to others for help due to the cost of living crisis”.

He added: “That’s why I’m committed to supporting the introduction of multi-banking in the capital as part of my work to help Londoners struggling to make ends meet.

“Multi-service banks do incredible work with charities and community organisations to provide supplies to those who need them most. I am proud to support the Felix Project to bring this multi-service bank to London, as we build a fairer London for all.”

John Boumphrey, Country Director for Amazon UK and Ireland, said: “I’m delighted that we’re working with The Felix Project to launch Felix’s Multibank in London this week – the fourth multibank we’ve opened across the UK since we first launched in Scotland two years ago.

“When we work hand in hand with local charities, community groups and other businesses to provide donations and support, we know we can make a huge difference to families in need.”