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03
Mar 2024
Lib Dem mayor candidate pledges emergency food poverty measures
The Liberal Democrat candidate to be York and North Yorkshire's first directly elected mayor has pledged to introduce an emergency food distribution system.
Felicity Cunliffe-Lister is one of five candidates standing for election on May 2.
In her first announcement since she secured the Lib Dem nomination, Ms Cunliffe-Lister said she would take a "zero tolerance approach" to food poverty.
She said a countywide emergency distribution system would help those who can’t access food banks.
Ms Cunliffe-Lister, who is the Countess of Swinton, near Masham, said:
She added the latest accounts for the Trussell Trust, which operates food banks, showed its income had fallen while demand for services had increased by 560%
She said the mayoral office would oversee the emergency distribution system, aided by volunteers assisting with delivery.
Tordoff backs social care reform
With less than two months to polling day, other candidates also stepped-up their campaigns this week.
Pateley Bridge-based Independent Keith Tordoff called for "root and branch" reform of adult social care. He said:
Former police officer Mr Tordoff recently met Mike Padgham, chair of the social care organisation the Independent Care Group, which is campaigning for social care reform to be included in the main political parties’ manifestos at the next general election.
Mr Padgham said:
Duncan pledges housing measures
Conservative candidate Keane Duncan announced plans for more new-build homes sold at a discount of up to 50 per cent of the market value.
He said he would set-up a new 'half-price homes’ online portal where first-time buyers can browse and reserve discounted properties.
Mr Duncan said:
Main photo: Felicity Cunliffe-Lister with Michelle Hayes of Harrogate community cafe Resurrected Bites.
Read more:
- Andrew Jones MP says his office receives threats ‘far too often’
- Reform UK backs Independent Keith Tordoff for mayor
- Lib Dems chose Swinton Park owner to stand for North Yorks mayor
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