Representatives of Churches Together in Wilmslow met George Osborne MP at the Quaker Meeting House recently, to discuss where welfare reform is hitting people in his constituency and explore how the MP for Tatton and the churches might work better to address these needs.
Issues raised at the meeting included how government cuts in housing allowances are causing hardship, benefit payment delays and cancellations as a punishment.
George Osborne also heard about a changing pattern in applications for help from Food Friend at St Bartholomew's Church.
Mrs Barbara Foster, a founder of the food bank, and one of those who met Mr Osborne said: "It is different from when we started. Now the people coming in are mostly those recently made unemployed and who have not got the resources to cope with the delay before they can get benefits."
Kirsty Thorpe, Minister at the United Reformed Church and Chair of Churches Together in Wilmslow said: "We are delighted that George Osborne MP was able to give us time to talk about such an important issue, and look forward to further dialogue and action to improve the situation of those needing support."
Regarding his meeting with Churches Together in Wilmslow, George Osborne MP said "Our local churches in Wilmslow are an important part of our community, and I was keen to hear from them about the issues that concern them. We had a good, positive meeting.
"I want a welfare system that works for local people that need help, and is also fair to hardworking local taxpayers who pay for it. As a result of our changes, the number of workless households is now at a record low. I said to the local churches that I am very happy to help any constituent who is experiencing problems when accessing welfare payments and people can contact me through my constituency office 01565 873037."
