It has been really refreshing to hear the viewpoint of our religious institutes on the fundamental results of government cuts and policy, which have led to a rising demand on food- banks in all of our communities.

It is easy for politicians to forget the real human cost of policy and, in turn, having those in the Church to give a moral perception in hard times is so valuable.

I am even more delighted my own party, Labour, has managed to lead the way in highlighting these issues in the political field, both locally and nationally.

However, as the churches are highlighting, there are major challenges we have to address. We have to make sure we have both economically viable policies and policies with people and fairness at their heartI am aware, as a church-goer myself, fewer and fewer people have religious beliefs and/or are active in them. However, this should not undermine the relevance of those in the Church and their stance on political issues.

We, in politics, and our voters should never forget we have a duty to change society for the better and to make tough decisions that are right for everyone, not just the select few.

Luke Maunsell Keighley.