Income-Driven Food Insecurity
Food insecurity primarily driven by insufficient household income, exacerbated by global events, and complicated by a lack of an agreed definition.
Source spread
Where this theme appears
This theme appears across 10 independent accountability sources, so the source mix matters as much as the headline total.
7 PFD reports
327 committee recs
2 NAO recs
59 IMB recs
5 IMB reports
2 detention investigation recs
2 DHR recs
44 LGO/SPSO decisions
Browse by source
Source-grouped records are useful for tracing where a concern came from. Large sections show the 50 strongest matches for that source; counts still show the full theme total.
Prevention of Future Deaths reports(7)
Kane Sparham-Price
Concerns: The coroner noted individuals can be left with no money in their bank accounts after payday lenders clear them out, suggesting a statutory minimum amount should remain to prevent destitution and potential future deaths.
Response (Financial Conduct Authority): • The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) implemented restrictions on the use of Continuous Payment Authorities (CPAs) by high-cost short-term credit lenders, prohibiting partial payments and limiting attempts. • The FCA … (AI summary)
Responded
Nathaniel Phillips
Concerns: The coroner noted that brittle asthma is not covered by the medical exemption certificate, unlike other conditions requiring continuous medication. This created a financial barrier to obtaining prescriptions, which meant the GP did not escalate the patient's case or reassess asthma control.
Response (Department of Health): • The Department of Health explained that extending the list of medical conditions for prescription charge exemption would incur significant costs and raise fairness concerns. • The Department of Health … (AI summary)
Responded
Naseeb Chuhan
Concerns: The coroner noted that payday loan companies contributed to the individual's situation by encouraging dependence on loans despite knowing he was dependent. Additionally, financial checks conducted by these companies were inadequate.
Response (Financial Conduct Authority): • The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) stated it had asked its supervisory team to examine the evidence provided and take steps if wrongdoing by firms is found. • The FCA … (AI summary)
Responded
Maya Zab
Concerns: The coroner noted an increased incidence of severe nutritional anaemia in paediatric settings in the Yorkshire & Humber region in 2020. This was linked to reduced health consultations, limited social contact, and widening socio-economic inequalities during the pandemic.
Response (NHS England): • Public health nurses who had been redeployed were repatriated by the end of July 2020. • An updated health visiting and school nurse service delivery model and commissioning guidance … (AI summary)
Response (Department of Health Social Care): • The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) noted that NHS England and NHS Improvement data did not show a significant increase in iron deficiency anaemia nationally or regionally. … (AI summary)
Responded
Jane Bennett
Concerns: The coroner raised concerns that mould in properties owned and maintained by Mansfield District Council, including Mrs. Bennett's, may pose a risk of future deaths. The report asks for inspections and action to minimise tenant exposure.
Response (Mansfield District Council): • The council inspected 41 homes in the area of concern, identified mould in 15, and initiated mould treatment in these properties. • The council has implemented a triangulated approach … (AI summary)
Responded
Bernadette Faulkner
Concerns: The coroner raised concerns about the unsafe height and placement of electricity meters, particularly prepayment meters which require frequent access. The report notes a lack of industry standards for meter accessibility and insufficient records from the installing company regarding placement considerations.
Response (Energy Industry): • Energy UK stated it would work with consumer groups to promote existing guidance on meter safety and encourage customers to contact suppliers with concerns. • Energy UK committed to … (AI summary)
Response (Department of Health and Social Care): • Ofgem introduced new rules in November 2023 restricting involuntary prepayment meter installations for certain vulnerable groups. • These new rules require suppliers to make contact attempts and conduct site … (AI summary)
Responded
Lee McHale
Concerns: The coroner noted financial pressures on Mr McHale due to housing benefit rules, which led to rent arrears and fear of eviction. This situation was exacerbated by his concern for an adult foster child becoming homeless if he moved.
Response (Department for Work and Pensions): • The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) outlined the Removal of the Spare Room Subsidy (RSRS) policy, detailing its application and criteria for housing support claims. • The DWP … (AI summary)
Responded
Select committee recommendations(327)— showing 50 strongest matches
#19 —
Recommendation: The Government should work with industry to explore options for expanding these schemes during cost of living challenges to help wider groups at risk of digital exclusion.
Response attribution not verified
#2 —
Recommendation: Cost of living challenges have made a bad situation worse for people who struggle to afford internet access. The need for Government action is becoming increasingly urgent. (Paragraph 32) The case for intervention
Response attribution not verified
#105 —
Recommendation: Witnesses told us about the âmultiple and complex needsâ of âprolificâ offenders. 193 For instance, Rebecca Robson told us that âmental health problems are very common in what we call prolific offenders, together with poor experiences of the education system …
Response attribution not verified
#26 —
Recommendation: For consumers struggling to pay their bills, affordability challenges relating to paying for these essential services and other household spending categories are inter-connected. Ofgem-commissioned research into the causes of energy debt indicates that some customers may in principle be able …
#25 —
Recommendation: Written evidence to the committee from Money Wellness highlights that when people are starting to struggle financially, early identification of problems and intervention, including making people aware of support available to them, can be key to preventing debts occurring or …
#9 —
Recommendation: Martin Lewis told us that the lack of standardisation of social tariffs across providers creates confusion among consumers, and makes it difficult to communicate clear messages to consumers about the availability and benefits of social tariffs.19 Customers must opt-in to …
#8 —
Recommendation: In water, government policy requires water companies to offer social tariffs to lower-income customers, whereas there is no social tariff policy in broadband; Citizens Advice and Martin Lewis told us that for broadband companies, provision is essentially voluntary.12 In both …
#7 —
Recommendation: Social tariffs, for water and broadband, provide services at a discounted price for consumers on lower incomes.7 Take-up of social tariffs has increased, but remains very low.8 Only 6% of water customers in England and Wales, and fewer than 9% …
#5 —
Recommendation: Despite energy debt rising, and bills increasing, the regulators do not have a comprehensive view of the debt owed by an individual across the three sectors. Debt is now a substantial problem. By March 2025, customers’ debt to energy supply …
#4 —
Recommendation: Customers in similar circumstances can receive different levels of support from their service provider. Each regulator has its own definition of vulnerability, including financial vulnerability. In water, Ofwat requires all water companies to offer social tariffs to low-income households, whereas …
#13 —
Recommendation: We therefore repeat the recommendation previously made by Sir Henry Dimbleby that the government should establish a “Community Eatwell” programme to provide healthy eating support to families and individuals on low incomes experiencing food-related ill health. The government should also …
Response status not verified
#12 —
Recommendation: Local projects to support access to healthier foods are doing fantastic work in their communities and seeing real results, using local knowledge and building strong community relationships to drive change. Community projects need to be a core part of any …
Response status not verified
#11 —
Recommendation: The government should also launch a public awareness campaign within the next three months to drive improved uptake of the Healthy Start scheme, modelled on the approach taken in Scotland. The government must also commit to publish annual data on …
Response status not verified
#10 —
Recommendation: The Healthy Start programme should be updated in the following ways: a. the value of vouchers should be updated to reflect the level of food inflation and there should be an annual review of value to ensure its real terms …
Response status not verified
#9 —
Recommendation: Healthy Start is a lifeline to many families who might otherwise struggle to find the budget for healthier foods for their children. It is especially impactful during a time of increasing food prices, with healthier foods often being more expensive …
Response status not verified
#7 —
Recommendation: Price is a key driver in consumer behaviour. It is welcome that action has been taken to reduce the number of volume-price promotions of HFSS foods. However, with healthier foods such as fruits and vegetables still generally being more expensive …
Response status not verified
#30 —
Recommendation: The subsistence allowance should be provided to any individual whose entitlement to section 95 support has been accepted from the time that entitlement is determined, whether or not they are then immediately able to move into dispersal accommodation. This allowance …
Response attribution not verified
#29 —
Recommendation: We welcome the Minister’s willingness to consider the case for reinstating the weekly allowance for individuals who have previously had this allowance withdrawn, following forced changes of accommodation during the pandemic. Individuals who were moved into hotels at the start …
Response attribution not verified
#19 —
Recommendation: Urgent Government action is needed to ensure that access to primary and secondary health services is in place for all service users, and that healthy, fresh food that is appropriate to individuals’ dietary needs is available.
Response attribution not verified
#17 —
Recommendation: While asylum support payments were provisionally increased in June 2020 from £37.75 to £39.60 per week, people with ongoing asylum claims may still struggle to meet their essential needs on this weekly amount, particularly during the pandemic. It is imperative …
Response attribution not verified
#24 —
Recommendation: It is clear that before the pandemic, many people were already unable to have physical and economic access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food that met their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life. This was …
Response attribution not verified
#13 —
Recommendation: One of the key questions for our inquiry was what the COVID-19 pandemic had shown about our food system, not just in terms of food supply, but also demand. There are clearly millions of people whose ability to afford sufficient, …
Response attribution not verified
#12 —
Recommendation: The distribution of food parcels to people who were Clinically Extremely Vulnerable (CEV) and without other means of support was a valuable way of ensuring that those people had access to basic foodstuffs. We accept that many of the complaints …
Response attribution not verified
#11 —
Recommendation: The Government should now be more flexible and recognise the importance and success of most community-led responses to the provision of free school meal substitutes. Schools should be allowed to provide vouchers for whichever retailers serve their community best, without …
Gov response: The Government has taken unprecedented and substantial action to ensure that no child should go hungry as we take measures to tackle coronavirus, including in relation to free school meals. Minister Prentis chaired a cross-Government …
Position Not Stated
#10 —
Recommendation: With the need to quickly provide children with a substitute for free school meals after schools closed, the Department for Education (DfE) designed a national voucher system. The speed with which it was set up was commendable and some teething …
Response attribution not verified
#9 —
Recommendation: During the early stages of the pandemic, however, supply to food banks and food aid organisations was disrupted. At the same time, a significant amount of food is still being wasted in the supply chain. Food waste must always be …
Response attribution not verified
#8 —
Recommendation: Use of food banks was increasing before the pandemic and has effectively doubled during the pandemic. It is likely that the situation will get worse before it gets better. Food bank use is normally a symptom of, amongst other things, …
Response attribution not verified
#10 —
Recommendation: The Government has raised Universal Credit and made it easier to access. However these changes are time-limited for a year. The Government should consider extending the measures increasing the generosity and accessibility of Universal Credit put in place in March …
Response attribution not verified
#117 —
Recommendation: The Poverty Alliance in their written evidence to us highlighted that from their research they found that the five week wait was ‘the most negative aspect of Universal Credit for many people.’295 They argue that the policy is a major …
Response attribution not verified
#116 —
Recommendation: We heard evidence of how the five week wait for Universal Credit and the associated advance payment system is causing a lot of difficulty for claimants in Scotland. Chris Birt of The Joseph Rowntree Foundation said it can ‘force people …
Response attribution not verified
#99 —
Recommendation: Our survey on the experiences of people with social security in Scotland found that a majority (68%) felt that the money they received in support payments would not cover their bills for rent, food, internet, council tax and utilities. One …
Response attribution not verified
#25 — Claimants received £4.2 billion less in benefits due to official error and unfulfilled eligibility.
Recommendation: DWP estimates that claimants received 1.6% (£4.2 billion) less than they were eligible for in 2023–24, up from 1.5% (£3.5 billion) in 2022–23. These underpayments comprised £1.1 billion in official error and £3.1 billion in unfulfilled eligibility.49 Official error is …
Response attribution not verified
#10 — DWP's declining timeliness in processing new benefit claims increases financial hardship
Recommendation: A failure to process claims and pay benefits in a timely way can mean claimants wait longer for money they are entitled to, increasing the risk of financial hardship and making it more difficult for them to manage their finances …
Response attribution not verified
#23 — Set out plans to build claimant trust and simplify reporting changes of circumstances.
Recommendation: These underpayments leave the claimants affected with less money than they should have, making their finances more precarious than they should be. Underpayment rates are highest for disability benefits, such as PIP and Disability Living Allowance, where the most common …
Response attribution not verified
#5 — Over £4 billion in benefit underpayments in 2023-24 increases financial hardship risks.
Recommendation: Benefit claimants received over £4 billion less than they were entitled to in 2023–24, increasing the risk of financial hardship for the people losing out. DWP estimates that claimants received 1.6% (£4.2 billion) less than they were eligible for in …
Response attribution not verified
#9 — Introduce auto-enrolment for all eligible children in free school meals without delay.
Recommendation: We consider that the arguments for auto-enrolment in free school meals for those children currently eligible are conclusive. In the interests of alleviating hunger in schools and improving health and educational outcomes for the poorest children, auto-enrolment must be brought …
Response attribution not verified
#29 — Exorbitant building insurance costs continue to impose severe financial hardship and debt risk
Recommendation: The Home Builders Federation (HBF) raised concerns that insurance companies were seeking to profit from the building safety crisis. The Shared Owners Network similarly wrote that many shared owners were struggling to pay housing-related costs such as insurance. End Our …
Response attribution not verified
#19 — Domestic energy debt has significantly increased, becoming the fastest growing type of consumer debt
Recommendation: Alongside a rise in energy prices, Ofgem statistics from June 2024 show the total owed by domestic consumers for both electricity and gas was over £3.7 billion compared with £1.8 billion at the end of 2021.51 A report by Clear …
Response attribution not verified
#15 — Energy support schemes partially mitigated, but did not prevent, overall increase in fuel poverty.
Recommendation: The Department reported that from mid–2022 to mid–2023, the Energy Price Guarantee (EPG) and Energy Bills Support Scheme (EBSS) prevented around 289,000 households in England from going into fuel poverty.39 However, this was not enough to offset the wider impact …
Response attribution not verified
#41 — Appoint a Freelancers’ Commissioner to develop framework addressing industry pay and working conditions.
Recommendation: We repeat our predecessor Committee’s call for the Government to appoint a Freelancers’ Commissioner, with appropriate powers and cross- departmental oversight. The Freelancers’ Commissioner should work with the film and HETV industry to develop a framework for addressing pay precarity, …
Response attribution not verified
#39 — Set out specific measures to address pay precarity for creative industry freelancers.
Recommendation: In its forthcoming industrial strategy, the Government should set out specific measures to address pay precarity among freelancers working across the creative industries, such as a guaranteed basic income or minimum hourly wage. (Recommendation, Paragraph 136)
Response attribution not verified
#12 — Clarify how environmental land schemes complement nature restoration and ensure food security
Recommendation: We welcome the consultation on a Land Use Framework and look forward to its publication. We recommend that in the Framework Ministers clarify how environmental land management schemes and other nature funding for farmers ought to complement wider nature restoration …
Response attribution not verified
#11 — Land use framework implementation requires scrutiny for food security alongside nature recovery
Recommendation: The Government’s projections for changes in land use in England by 2050, contained in its current consultation on a Land Use Framework, indicate a potentially substantial increase in the land area allocated to nature recovery, either alongside or instead of …
Response attribution not verified
#28 — Mandate the Water Commission to propose a single social tariff and monitor water poverty progress.
Recommendation: The Independent Water Commission’s proposals should contain provisions for establishing a single social tariff, or other protections for low-income households, to protect customers from the worst impacts of anticipated bill increases. The Commission’s proposals should also establish how effectively water …
Response status not verified
#27 — Government has not set a timetable for developing a social tariff for low-income households.
Recommendation: The Government has not yet set out a timetable for developing a single and comprehensive social tariff to prevent protect low-income households from bill increases, despite the widespread view that it will be necessary in the context of much higher …
Response status not verified
#66 — Integrate neglect reduction measures and parental support into Child Poverty Strategy with a broader approach.
Recommendation: The Department should ensure that measures to reduce neglect and support parents with poor mental health and drug and alcohol addictions are considered as part of its Child Poverty Strategy and recognise that poverty is not the only circumstance in …
Response attribution not verified
#13 — Require Government to implement bold Child Poverty Strategy to significantly reduce children's financial hardship.
Recommendation: We urge the Government to be bold in its upcoming Child Poverty Strategy and take wide-ranging action to reverse this trend and significantly reduce the number of children growing up in financial hardship. (Recommendation, Paragraph 29)
Response attribution not verified
#11 — Social security reforms risk increasing child poverty; delayed strategy hinders scrutiny.
Recommendation: We are deeply concerned about the Government’s planned reforms to social security set out in the Green Paper Pathways to Work: Reforming Benefits and Support to Get Britain Working, which are set to drive up child poverty and will further …
Response attribution not verified
#22 — Limit smart meter back-billing period to six months and publish supplier penalty data for breaches.
Recommendation: Ofgem should limit the back billing period to six months for customers with a smart meter. It should also publish annual data on the penalties it gives energy suppliers for breaching its back billing rules. (Recommendation, Paragraph 79)
Response attribution not verified
#21 — High energy costs exacerbate severe impacts of billing issues, leading to overdue back bills.
Recommendation: Energy bills are generally becoming more accurate, but the high cost of energy means that when billing issues do occur, the impacts are felt far more severely. In an era of smart metering, it is unacceptable that back bills are …
Response attribution not verified
NAO audit recommendations(2)
Energy bills support: an update
DESNZ should work with Ofgem to consider what impact the increasing levels of consumer debt could have on the resilience of the energy market to price spikes and what actions should be taken to reduce debt levels over time.
Accepted
Supporting disadvantaged families through free early education and childcare entitlements in England
The Department should assess the extent to which additional charges are acting as a barrier to families taking up the entitlements. This assessment should cover what parents are being asked to pay for and help the Department better understand whether …
Accepted
IMB annual reports(5)
Altcourse (2022)
HMP Altcourse remains a generally safe and humane prison, showing a reduction in self-harm and violence, and improved healthcare facilities. However, significant concerns persist regarding the containment of severely mentally unwell prisoners in unsuitable conditions and chronic staffing shortages impacting various services. The Board also highlights issues with the national food budget and a lack of external support following a 'cluster death site' designation.
PRISON
Key concerns
Elmley (2021)
HMP Elmley experienced a challenging year ending October 2021 due to its status as a COVID-19 outbreak site, leading to highly restricted regimes and persistent staffing shortages. The Board noted positive initiatives like the Accelerator project and OMU surgeries, but raised significant concerns regarding prolonged confinement, inadequate food budget, and issues with property loss and unlock list management. The report highlights critical needs for improved staff recruitment and retention, better analysis of self-harm incidents, and a review of external service contracts.
PRISON
Key concerns
Morton Hall (2023)
HMP Morton Hall, a Category C prison for foreign national males, completed its transition from an IRC in early 2023 and operated with an average population of 333, below its 353 capacity. The Board found the prison safe and humane, with good officer-prisoner relationships and improved work ethic. Key concerns persist regarding delayed Early Removal Scheme (ERS) deportations, a high number of prisoners leaving on immigration bail, ongoing property transfer issues, and a significant number of unemployed prisoners. The Board raised recommendations concerning these areas to the Minister, Prison Service, and Governor.
PRISON
Key concerns
South and West short term holding facilities (2025)
This IMB report details monitoring of multiple Short-Term Holding Facilities (STHFs) in the South and West region for the year ending January 2025. Key concerns include inconsistent access to detention records, inadequate healthcare arrangements, and persistent facility issues such as heating and hot water, alongside varied provision of hot food. While the Board notes positive engagement from Border Force staff and some improvements in record-keeping, it highlights areas requiring urgent attention to ensure humane treatment and effective oversight of detained individuals.
PRISON
Key concerns
Leyhill (2025)
HMP Leyhill, a Category D open prison, is undergoing significant expansion to increase its operational capacity. While the IMB commends its focus on prisoner safety, humane treatment, and efforts in education and resettlement, it raises concerns regarding delayed parole for IPP prisoners, the lack of approved premises, and persistent issues with unreliable telephony. The Board emphasizes the need to maintain current standards during the expansion and address staffing and property transfer challenges.
PRISON
Key concerns
IMB individual recommendations(59)— showing 50 strongest matches
Wealstun (2021)
To consider increasing the daily food allowance, as £2.02 is an extremely small amount to feed adult men and provide the nutrition they require (para 5.1.11 refers).
Other
Rejected
Altcourse (2023)
The Board continues to hold the view, based on their observations and frequent discussions with prisoners and officers, that the current daily allowance for prisoners’ food is inadequate, particularly in the current economic climate. Are there any plans to review and revise the budget?
HMPPS
In Progress
Altcourse (2025)
The Board continues to hold the view, based on our observations and frequent discussions with prisoners, staff and User Voice, that the daily allowance for prisoners’ food (which Sodexo follows) is inadequate, particularly in this economic climate. How and when does the Prison Service plan to review and increase the food budget ?
HMPPS
Noted
Norwich (2021)
The daily budget for food of £2.02 has not been increased since 2014. Will HMPPs give an indication of when this might be reviewed?
HMPPS
Rejected
Elmley (2021)
The budget for food needs an overhaul. The budget of £2.14 per man per day is inadequate (see section 5.1 paragraph 3).
HMPPS
In Progress
Woodhill (2022)
To review the funding provided to prisons for food in the light of the current rise in the cost of living.
Ministry of Justice
In Progress
Altcourse (2022)
The Board is of the opinion that the national budget allowance for prisoners’ daily food is insufficient, particularly in the context of the current economic climate.
HMPPS
Styal (2023)
The Board has noticed a growing issue for prisoners with regard to the cost of living, and the reduction of available items for purchase through the canteen system. Prices of essential goods have risen in line with those in the community, yet there has not been a corresponding increase in wages and allowances within the prison. Will there be any …
HMPPS
Stocken (2023)
With the rise in the cost of living, particularly food, the food allowance allocated to feed each prisoner needs to be increased.
HMPPS
Ranby (2023)
Will the Prison Service outline its plans for aligning the catering budget with the increases in the cost of living?
HMPPS
Woodhill (2024)
Will the Minister enable prisoners to earn more to match the increased costs of canteen purchases?
HMPPS
In Progress
North West and Midlands STHF (2025)
Hot food is not available for those detained at East Midlands Airport (see section 5). The Board would recommend that this decision is reconsidered.
Home Office
Woodhill (2023)
To review the daily spend for prisoners in the light of the current rise in the cost of living.
HMPPS
Rejected
Lincoln (2023)
Are there plans to increase the prisoner’s daily food allowance of £2.20? Inflation continues to rise and providing nutritional meals is increasingly difficult.
HMPPS
Implemented
Lewes (2023)
The Board is concerned that, in the light of the cost of living crisis, the prisoner food budget will very soon be insufficient. When will the prison service be reviewing this?
HMPPS
Hull (2023)
Despite a recent uplift in the daily budget allocation per prisoner for catering, the establishment continues to provide additional funding from other budget allocations. Furthermore, prisoners were found to subsiding their diets with their own personal funds. Will the Prison Service be significantly increasing catering budget allocations in response to increased food supplier costs to ensure a healthy and balanced …
HMPPS
Woodhill (2024)
To review the daily spend for prisoners in the light of the rise in the cost of living.
HMPPS
In Progress
Risley (2024)
The pay structure for prisoners at HMP Risley has caused concern for the Board in regard to men’s wellbeing, as pay has not matched the rising cost of living. Are there any long-term plans to reassess this?
HMPPS
In Progress
Bure (2025)
As raised in our annual report last year, why has a national minimum wage not been introduced across all prisons, given that Bure pays lower wages than many prisons, yet prisoners still pay similar canteen prices?
HMPPS
Noted
Garth (2021)
The food budget be increased as a matter of urgency.
HMPPS
In Progress
Wealstun (2022)
The Board are aware that prison Governors have the responsibility for setting the daily food allowance from their overall budget. Although increased to £2.15 during the review period, it is a very low sum from which to provide three meals a day for adult men and it remains the Board’s opinion that food budgets should be set at a national …
HMPPS
Norwich (2022)
Will the Minister please outline his plan for aligning the catering budget with the increases in the cost of living to ensure prisoners can be offered a balanced and nutritious diet?
Ministry of Justice
Noted
Moorland (2022)
Once again, the Board is requesting that the food budget is increased
Governor / Director
Hewell (2022)
The Prison Service should recognise the gap between rhetoric and reality in respect of their national aspirations for resettlement and reducing reoffending. However good the education, vocational training and employment support in prison, homelessness, poverty and the current economic situation makes many of the stated aspirations totally unrealistic. This is exacerbated by the high number of remand prisoners in local …
HMPPS
Accepted
Erlestoke (2022)
When will the daily food budget allowance set over five years ago be reviewed, given that food prices have risen more than 20% over the past two years?
Ministry of Justice
Noted
Parc (2023)
Put in place a process whereby prisoners’ food is regularly assessed for nutritional value, calorific content, quality and quantity.
Governor / Director
Implemented
Parc (2023)
Set a minimum spend per prisoner to ensure food supplied offers both quantity and quality along with nutritional value to satisfy prisoners’ calorific needs, as it is unreasonable that prisoners have to supplement their food intake by purchasing from the prison canteen.
HMPPS
Noted
Gartree (2023)
In view of the ‘cost of living crisis’ affecting many people in the UK, will there be any financial support provided to prisons to cope with the rapidly increasing cost of living and increasing energy cost pressures?
Ministry of Justice
Frankland (2023)
The preparation of food for religious beliefs often challenges an already limited daily prison meal allowance. When will the Minister raise the allowance, in line with the rise in the cost of food?
Ministry of Justice
Noted
Holme House (2024)
Can the Governor confirm that there will be a review of prisoner wages in light of rising costs of items being stocked by the canteen?
Governor / Director
Altcourse (2024)
The Board continues to hold the view, based on their observations and frequent discussions with prisoners, that the current daily allowance for prisoners’ food (which Sodexo follow) is inadequate, particularly in the current economic climate. How and when does the Prison Service plan to review and increase the food budget?
HMPPS
Noted
Wayland (2025)
At the very least we would suggest that the Prison Service set a victualling allowance at the start of each year, and then arrange that this be automatically increased on a monthly basis as required by food cost inflation data. At least that would allow some degree of predictability in menu planning and delivery.
HMPPS
Rejected
Wealstun (2020)
Consider reducing the cost of food in the visits hall to the same as that in the staff mess (see paragraph 7.4.3).
Governor / Director
Rejected
Brixton (2020)
the canteen and telephone contracts be reviewed to make goods and calls more affordable;
HMPPS
Partially Accepted
Wormwood Scrubs (2021)
Given that there is acknowledgement within the prison that the food, its production and nutritional value and its quantity are an issue, can the Governor consider with some urgency how this can be remedied? If there is to be consultation, the Board suggests that this should be done speedily.
Governor / Director
Woodhill (2021)
To review the per-day funding allocation for food and to ensure that prisoners are able to access, for example, five portions of fruit and vegetables a day, in line with current Department of Health and Social Care guidance
Other
Implemented
Full Sutton (2021)
that the cost of telephone calls should be re-examined with the provider, with a view to reducing their cost.
HMPPS
Bronzefield (2021)
Following the comparison of a sample of canteen prices with two other prisons, HMP/YOI Bronzefield’s prices were shown to be the highest, with products up to 15% more expensive. What steps are being taken to remedy this issue?
Governor / Director
Altcourse (2021)
The quality and quantity of food provided for prisoners has consistently improved over the reporting year with the welcome addition of homemade soup and a bakery on site producing bread and rolls. Also kitchen equipment is maintained in a more timely matter. However there still remains a problem with the newly installed flooring which floods frequently despite a number of …
Governor / Director
Wymott (2022)
Despite rising food costs, the Catering Manager has continued to provide meals on a minimal daily meal allowance (see paragraph 5.1.10). The Board would like to see this increased as the current level is unsustainable in the current climate.
Governor / Director
Wymott (2022)
There has been no increase in the budget for Wymott prisoners’ pay for a number of years now, but the cost of items to purchase from canteen and catalogues is going up (see paragraphs 3.4.2 and 7.2.5). Can the prison expect to get an increase in the budget in the near future to enable them to pay prisoners a fair …
HMPPS
In Progress
Winchester (2022)
How will HMPPS constructively support HMP Winchester’s efforts to help prevent prisoners getting into debt whilst they wait for their spend accounts to be set up?
HMPPS
Implemented
Whitemoor (2022)
Will the Governor give personal attention to sorting out the intractable issues faced by the kitchen in order to ensure that the best possible local arrangements can be made amid the pressing national concerns about escalating living costs?
Governor / Director
Wealstun (2022)
To consider increasing the rate of pay in line with inflation to enable prisoners to be able to buy items from the canteen.
Governor / Director
Wealstun (2023)
To consider whether food budgets should be set at a national level and regularly benchmarked, particularly in times where inflationary pressures are clear, to ensure that they remain adequate.
HMPPS
Partially Accepted
Warren Hill (2023)
In light of ongoing concerns about the provision of food from the Hollesley Bay kitchen, the Board asks again that consideration be given to reinstating the kitchens at Warren Hill.
HMPPS
Stoke Heath (2023)
Can the overall HMPPS budget be increased to enable prisoner wages to rise in line with inflation so that they can afford everyday essentials and have less chance of getting into debt?
HMPPS
Leyhill (2023)
What action will the minister take to raise the food budget in line with inflation?
Ministry of Justice
Altcourse (2023)
The Board continues to hold the view, based on their observations and frequent discussions with prisoners and officers, that the current daily allowance for prisoners’ food is inadequate, particularly in the current economic climate. Are there any plans to review and revise the budget?
HMPPS
In Progress
Styal (2024)
The cost-of-living crisis has disproportionately impacted prisoners. What plans are in place to consider an increase in budget available for prisoner wages to offset this increase?
HMPPS
In Progress
Detention investigations(2)
Independent Investigation into Concerns about Yarl's Wood Immigration Removal Centre — Rec R19
Leftovers that would otherwise go to waste should be offered to residents.
Immigration Detention
Independent Investigation into Concerns about Yarl's Wood Immigration Removal Centre — Rec R18
Managers should ensure that menus: offer adequate appetising fresh fruit and vegetables and encourage the consumption of five portions of fruit and vegetables a day; and offer a better-balanced choice of foods at lunchtimes.
Immigration Detention
Independent reviews(23)
Acheson Report — Rec 22
We RECOMMEND policies which improve the health and nutrition of women of child-bearing age and their children with priority given to the elimination of food poverty and the prevention and reduction of obesity. Specifically:
Health & Social Care
Acheson Report — Rec 20.1
We recommend the further development of policies which will ensure adequate retail provision of food to those who are disadvantaged.
Health & Social Care
Acheson Report — Rec 20
We RECOMMEND policies which will increase the availability and accessibility of foodstuffs to supply an adequate and affordable diet. Specifically:
Health & Social Care
Acheson Report — Rec 19.1
We recommend strengthening the CAP Surplus Food Scheme to improve the nutritional position of the less well off.
Health & Social Care
Acheson Report — Rec 7
We RECOMMEND further measures to improve the nutrition provided at school, including: the promotion of school food policies; the development of budgeting and cooking skills; the preservation of free school meals entitlement; the provision of free school fruit; and the restriction of less healthy food.
Health & Social Care
Dimbleby National Food Strategy — Rec 7
Trial a "Community Eatwell" programme, supporting those on low incomes to improve their diets.
Health & Social Care
Dimbleby National Food Strategy — Rec 6
Expand the Healthy Start scheme.
Health & Social Care
Dimbleby National Food Strategy — Rec 5
Fund the Holiday Activities and Food programme for the next three years.
Health & Social Care
Dimbleby National Food Strategy — Rec 4
Extend eligibility for free school meals.
Health & Social Care
Dimbleby National Food Strategy — Rec 1
Introduce a sugar and salt reformulation tax. Use some of the revenue to help get fresh fruit and vegetables to low income families.
Health & Social Care
Acheson Report — Rec 21
We RECOMMEND policies which reduce poverty in families with children by promoting the material support of parents; by removing barriers to work for parents who wish to combine work with parenting; and by enabling those who wish to devote full-time to parenting to do so. Specifically:
Health & Social Care
Acheson Report — Rec 3.1
we recommend further reductions in poverty in women of child-bearing age, expectant mothers, young children and older people should be made by increasing benefits in cash or in kind to them.
Health & Social Care
Acheson Report — Rec 3
We RECOMMEND policies which will further reduce income inequalities, and improve the living standards of households in receipt of social security benefits. Specifically:
Health & Social Care
Marmot Review — Rec 4
Policy Objective D: Ensure a healthy standard of living for all Priority objectives: 1. Establish a minimum income for healthy living for people of all ages. 2. Reduce the social gradient in the standard of living through progressive taxation and other fiscal policies. 3. Reduce the cliff edges faced by …
Health & Social Care
Helm Energy Review — Rec 14
There should be a default tariff to replace the Standard Variable Tariff (SVT), based on the index of wholesale costs, the fixed cost pass-throughs, levies and taxes, and a published supply margin.
Other
Helm Energy Review — Rec 1
The cost of energy is too high, and higher than necessary to meet the Climate Change Act (CCA) target and the carbon budgets. Households and businesses have not fully benefited from the falling costs of gas and coal, the rapidly falling costs of renewables, or from the efficiency gains to …
Other
Dearing Higher Education Review — Rec 70
We recommend to the Government that it reviews annually the total level of support for student living costs taking into account the movement of both prices and earnings. Chapter 18
Education
Augar Review — Rec 7.7
Funding available for bursaries should increase to accommodate the likely growth in Level 2 and Level 3 adult learners.
Education
Augar Review — Rec 7.4
In delivering a maintenance system comprising a mix of grant, loan and family contribution, the government should ensure that: - The level of grant is set as high as possible to minimise or eliminate the amount of additional loan required by students from disadvantaged backgrounds. - The income thresholds within …
Education
Augar Review — Rec 7.3
Maximum maintenance support should be set in line with the National Minimum Wage for age 21 to 24 on the basis of 37.5 hours per week and 30 weeks per year.
Education
Augar Review — Rec 7.1
The government should restore maintenance grants for socio-economically disadvantaged students to at least £3,000 a year.
Education
Morse Loan Charge Review — Rec 10
individuals with income of less than £30,000 in 2017-18 should additionally not have the Loan Charge hanging over their head for any longer than 10 years, and any amount left outstanding after 10 years of paying the Loan Charge should be written off to genuinely draw a line under any …
Other
Building Better Building Beautiful Commission — Rec 32
plant urban orchards – one fruit tree per house. In addition to the wider benefits set out above, there is a need to reconnect children with nature and with the sources of their food. The government should: • Support a programme of urban orchards within our towns and cities; • …
Building Safety
LGO / SPSO decisions(44)
25-006-535 — Hampshire County Council
Summary: Miss X complained that the Council refused to provide her with free school meals despite being financially eligible. We have discontinued our investigation because this is a late complaint and there is no good reason to use discretion to investigate.
LGO (Local Government & …
Children S Care Services
Dec 2025
24-023-329 — Cambridgeshire County Council
Summary: The Council was at fault for significant delay in assessing Miss X’s child’s Education, Health and Care Plan. The delay caused Miss X frustration and uncertainty and meant her child missed out on the special education provision. The Council also failed to properly consider if Miss X’s child needed …
LGO (Local Government & …
Education
Upheld
Dec 2025
21-008-838 — Lancaster City Council
Summary: Mrs X complained the Council failed to take account of relevant powers to help her in respect of business rates at a pub following the death of the landlord during lockdown. Mrs X says the demand for payment of around £10,000 causes her significant financial hardship. There was no …
LGO (Local Government & …
Benefits And Tax
Upheld
Mar 2022
24-001-531 — Cheshire East Council
Summary: We will not investigate Mrs X’s complaint about the Council’s failure to provide free school meals for her child, Y, between 2018 and 2020 when they were too unwell to attend school. This is because the complaint is late and there is no good reason to investigate now.
LGO (Local Government & …
Education
Jun 2024
24-020-045 — London Borough of Tower Hamlets
Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the support the complainant received from the Residents’ Support Scheme. This is because there is insufficient evidence of fault causing injustice.
LGO (Local Government & …
Benefits And Tax
Apr 2025
25-001-829 — Surrey Heath Borough Council
Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council’s handling of a discretionary housing payment. This is because there is insufficient evidence of fault by the Council.
LGO (Local Government & …
Benefits And Tax
Jul 2025
21-002-027 — Wiltshire Council
Summary: Mr X complains the Council failed to fully consider his circumstances when he claimed a Discretionary Housing Payment. There was fault in the Council’s communications and in its consideration of his backdate request. We recommended a remedy.
LGO (Local Government & …
Benefits And Tax
Upheld
Jul 2022
21-009-259 — London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham
Summary: Mr X complained the Council’s decision to increase parking charges based on emissions was unfair. He says it affects the lower paid. We have not found fault by the Council.
LGO (Local Government & …
Transport And Highways
Not Upheld
Jul 2022
22-010-410 — Cherwell District Council
Ms X complains that the Council has unreasonably refused her Council tax support for her heating bills. The Ombudsman will not investigate this complaint because the matter has been remedied.
LGO (Local Government & …
Benefits And Tax
Nov 2022
24-022-835 — Liverpool City Council
Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council’s decision not to make an ex-gratia payment after it made an error in calculating the complainant’s council tax support. This is because the Council has already provided a satisfactory remedy.
LGO (Local Government & …
Benefits And Tax
Upheld
May 2025
25-001-291 — Cheshire East Council
Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about an application for support from the Household Support Fund. This is because there is insufficient evidence of fault by the Council.
LGO (Local Government & …
Benefits And Tax
Jul 2025
24-021-577 — London Borough of Tower Hamlets
Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the administration of a discretionary grant. This is because there is not enough evidence of the Council causing the complainant significant enough injustice to warrant it, and it would be reasonable to pursue any discrimination claim in court.
LGO (Local Government & …
Benefits And Tax
Aug 2025
24-020-797 — Walsall Metropolitan Borough Council
Summary: Miss X complained about the Council’s service in providing bins for her property. Miss X said that she is on maternity pay and has limited income, so she cannot afford the costs of the bins. However, the Council has offered no alternative options. Since our investigation began, the Council …
LGO (Local Government & …
Environment And Regulation
Upheld
Aug 2025
21-017-986 — Portsmouth City Council
Summary: We will not investigate this complaint that the Council charges full council tax despite the complainant being on a low income. This is because there is insufficient evidence of fault by the Council.
LGO (Local Government & …
Benefits And Tax
Apr 2022
21-010-450 — Ipswich Borough Council
Summary: Mrs X complained about the amount the Council charged her for removing fly-tipped waste from an alleyway behind her property. Mrs X has said this has caused her mental and financial stress as she cannot afford to pay the cost and she believes the Council’s actions amount to discrimination. …
LGO (Local Government & …
Environment And Regulation
Not Upheld
Apr 2022
22-001-371 — Medway Council
Summary: We will not investigate Miss X’s complaint about the Council not providing a lunch to her child Y during an activity day.
LGO (Local Government & …
Other Categories
May 2022
22-006-450 — Chelmsford City Council
Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council not paying Mr X the council tax rebate for energy costs. There is not enough evidence of fault by the Council.
LGO (Local Government & …
Benefits And Tax
Sep 2022
22-007-509 — London Borough of Richmond upon Thames
Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about delays in the Council telling Mrs X when she needed to start paying her rent. This is because the Council has offered a suitable remedy to recognise the injustice caused by the delays and further investigation by us would not lead to …
LGO (Local Government & …
Benefits And Tax
Upheld
Oct 2022
22-007-033 — Eden District Council
Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the amount of housing benefit and council tax support the Council awarded to the complainant in 2020. This is because the complainant could have appealed to the tribunal and because it is a late complaint.
LGO (Local Government & …
Benefits And Tax
Oct 2022
22-001-259 — Waverley Borough Council
Summary: Ms K complained the Council failed to tell her of her right to appeal its decision when assessing her Council Tax and Housing Benefit. The Council has accepted it was at fault for not properly explaining Ms K had a right to appeal, putting her to the time and …
LGO (Local Government & …
Benefits And Tax
Upheld
Oct 2022
22-010-355 — London Borough of Waltham Forest
Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Local Welfare Assistance scheme because there is insufficient evidence of fault by the Council and insufficient evidence of injustice.
LGO (Local Government & …
Benefits And Tax
Nov 2022
23-019-731 — Norwich City Council
Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about a housing benefit suspension because there is insufficient evidence of fault and injustice.
LGO (Local Government & …
Benefits And Tax
Apr 2024
23-008-255 — Wiltshire Council
Summary: We found fault by the Council on Mr H’s complaint about it failing to provide financial support to help him move to accommodation it found him. It failed to show it had proper processes and guidance in place when dealing with obtaining, assessing, deciding, and paying quotes. The agreed …
LGO (Local Government & …
Benefits And Tax
Upheld
May 2024
24-022-360 — Wakefield City Council
Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council’s provision of free school meals for children educated otherwise than at school. There is insufficient evidence of fault on the Council’s part to warrant investigation.
LGO (Local Government & …
Education
May 2025
24-023-496 — Northumberland County Council
Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the recovery of housing benefit overpayments because it was reasonable for Ms X to appeal to the tribunal.
LGO (Local Government & …
Benefits And Tax
Jun 2025
24-017-013 — Cornwall Council
Summary: We will not investigate Mr X’s complaint about council tax liability and the Council delaying responses to his letters. This is because, at our invitation, the Council agreed to pay a symbolic payment to Mr X. We consider this to be a suitable remedy.
LGO (Local Government & …
Benefits And Tax
Upheld
Jun 2025
25-002-203 — Stoke-on-Trent City Council
Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about how the Council handled Mr X’s council tax account. The court considered council tax liability, council tax support decisions carry appeal rights and it is reasonable to expect him to use them, and there is not enough evidence of fault to justify …
LGO (Local Government & …
Benefits And Tax
Aug 2025
25-006-010 — Kirklees Metropolitan Borough Council
Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council’s pursuit of Mr X for outstanding council tax arrears. This is because Mr X has right of appeal to the Valuation Tribunal and it would be reasonable for him to use it.
LGO (Local Government & …
Benefits And Tax
Sep 2025
25-004-137 — London Borough of Hackney
Summary: We will not investigate Miss X’s complaint about Council Tax recovery and communication as it is unlikely we would find fault. We cannot investigate action within Court proceedings. And the Information Commissioner’s Office is better placed to consider a data protection complaint.
LGO (Local Government & …
Benefits And Tax
Sep 2025
25-010-213 — City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council
Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about a Council tax premium because there is a right of appeal to a Valuation Tribunal.
LGO (Local Government & …
Benefits And Tax
Sep 2025
25-010-164 — City of York Council
Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about a Council tax premium because there is a right of appeal to a Valuation Tribunal.
LGO (Local Government & …
Benefits And Tax
Sep 2025
25-005-985 — Preston City Council
Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council’s actions regarding Mrs X’s council tax account. This is because further investigation would not lead to a different outcome.
LGO (Local Government & …
Benefits And Tax
Sep 2025
25-004-616 — Liverpool City Council
Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about a council tax support decision. This is because it is reasonable to expect Ms X to have appealed to the Valuation Tribunal.
LGO (Local Government & …
Benefits And Tax
Oct 2025
25-007-733 — London Borough of Southwark
Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about welfare payments because there is insufficient evidence of fault by the Council.
LGO (Local Government & …
Benefits And Tax
Oct 2025
24-009-193 — Nottinghamshire County Council
Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about household support fund. There is not enough evidence of fault to justify our involvement.
LGO (Local Government & …
Benefits And Tax
Oct 2024
201005364 — Scottish Prison Service
Mr C complained that he had bought an electrical extension lead in prison but, when he moved to another prison, he was told that the local policy there did not allow the use of such leads. It is not our role to decide what prison policies should be: that is …
SPSO (Scottish Public Se…
Prisons
Not Upheld
Aug 2011
201202478 — Scottish Prison Service
Mr C, who is a prisoner, complained to the prison that the lunchtime meal had been adulterated (made impure or inferior by adding foreign substances) and was excessively salty. In taking his complaint to the prison's internal complaints committee (ICC), Mr C requested to call the catering manager as a …
SPSO (Scottish Public Se…
Prisons
Upheld
Dec 2012
201202156 — South Lanarkshire Council
Ms C inherited a property from her mother, who had died unexpectedly. Unable to sell it, Ms C decided to rent the property out. She complained that the council had unreasonably held her liable for council tax during periods for which exemptions should have been granted. She said the council …
SPSO (Scottish Public Se…
Local Government
Upheld
May 2013
20-009-037 — Trafford Council
Summary: The Council was at fault for repeatedly failing to collect
LGO (Local Government & …
Environment And Regulation
Upheld
Feb 2022
21-015-369 — Coventry City Council
Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the failure to arrange bin collections. The issues Ms C is complaining about affect all or most of the people in the local area.
LGO (Local Government & …
Environment And Regulation
Feb 2022
21-015-372 — Lincoln City Council
Summary: Miss X complained the Council failed to advise her to claim universal credit after she submitted a claim for housing benefit. The Council was at fault as it failed to respond to Miss X’s correspondence which meant she missed out on housing payments she was entitled to. The Council …
LGO (Local Government & …
Benefits And Tax
Upheld
Jun 2022
24-013-442 — Watford Borough Council
Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council ending one of the complainant’s two allotment tenancy agreements. This is because there is insufficient evidence of fault by the Council, and insufficient evidence of significant injustice.
LGO (Local Government & …
Other Categories
Nov 2024
24-010-651 — Salford City Council
Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about an alledged failure by the Council to consider a payment arrangement for an outstanding council tax debt, or his request for discretionary relief. The Council has asked the complainant to complete the necessary form so it can consider this issues raised. It …
LGO (Local Government & …
Benefits And Tax
Nov 2024
24-011-750 — Leicester City Council
Summary: We cannot by law investigate this complaint about the Council taking enforcement action against the complainant to recovery unpaid council tax. This is because the Council was granted a liability order by a magistrates’ court. We have no jurisdiction to investigate a complaint which has been subject to legal …
LGO (Local Government & …
Benefits And Tax
Nov 2024
Domestic Homicide Reviews(2)
Kingston upon Hull — recommendation 8
Continue to work towards finding further information and or training around the benefit entitlement for EEA nationals to prevent any future women in similar circumstances falling into arrears/debt.
Preston Road Women’s Centre Umbrella Housing
Kingston upon Hull — recommendation 6
Continue to work towards finding further information and or training around the benefit entitlement for EEA nationals to prevent any future women in similar circumstances falling into arrears/debt.
Preston Road Women’s Centre