We know that socioeconomic inequalities drive health inequalities, and that poverty increases adverse health effects. Research by the Trussell Trust shows that one in seven people face hunger across the UK because they simply don’t have enough money.
I asked the UK Gov to ensure people are able to afford the essentials like food and heating, and to raise with her Cabinet colleagues the Trussell Trust’s campaign calling for an Essentials Guarantee within Universal Credit to ensure that the basic rate at least covers life’s essentials in order to reduce health inequalities. Unfortunately, it's fair to say this does not seem to be the plan of the UK Government.