LAST week I met a constituent who was in total despair.

His Jobseekers’ Allowance had been ‘sanctioned’; in other words, his benefit payment had been stopped.

He had no money for food. It was not only him who could not eat, but his family as well. He was unable to buy food for his children.

Some may think these policies are legitimate and fair. However, it’s not only the benefit claimant who suffers, as is the case here. An entire family’s health and well-being has been perilously put in danger.

I was able to arrange for a food parcel to be delivered. Bradford Metropolitan Food Bank distributed approximately 10,000 food parcels across the district in 2014. They gave out 1,434 parcels in 2011.

These draconian Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition policies are a damming indictment on a Government that is so out of touch. We are constantly being told the economy is improving and the cost of living crisis is over. I can assure you this is not the case in the ward I represent.

I am grateful to organisations like the Salvation Army, Bradford Foodbank and the In Touch Foundation, who are working tirelessly across our district to support those in need.

COUNCILLOR ADRIAN FARLEY Keighley West Ward