After sustained pressure from the No More Growing Up Poor campaign, North East Mayor Kim McGuinness has broken ranks to call for an end to the cruel two-child benefit cap—proving that direct action gets results. But while this marks a critical victory, Labour’s continued silence on No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF) leaves migrant families in destitution. This win shows our power—now let’s organize, escalate, and abolish both policies for good.

"I’ve taken more pills in the last year than in the fifty-six before," says Gin, our member, with chronic pain now trapped in the DWP’s endless appeals. His story isn’t unique—it’s how the system works. Read more.

Last Saturday, we took action outside Chi Onwurah’s office, making it clear that Labour’s commitment to cruel austerity policies won’t go unchallenged. We set up a Food & Solidarity ballot box, handed out sweet pastries (Greggs) and fruit, and invited the people of Newcastle to vote on the policies they actually want. Labour may refuse to stand up for our communities, but we created a space for people to have their say. When Chi Onwurah failed to meet our deadline to support scrapping benefit caps and NRPF, we escalated. Here’s what happened.

Protesters in Edinburgh shut down Labour MP Ian Murray’s office, demanding an end to brutal benefit cuts, the two-child limit, and the government’s attack on claimants. With a wave of direct action planned across Britain, this is just the beginning.

Now Labour are in government, she is curiously quiet about the end the Benefit Cap or NRPF, policies directly responsible for child poverty in the North East.

The North East Child Poverty Commission and countless community organizations have made it clear: poverty is a policy choice. Families are struggling under a system that punishes them for being poor, yet Labour is offering only failure.

How do you fund a grassroots group without legal headaches? The fight to keep Alnwick’s community larder open shows why community-led funding matters. Learn how Open Collective and Food & Solidarity can help with grassroots fundraising and managing donations.

Under the last government, Chi Onwurah asked, "Why is this Government making it so hard for our kids?" Now, Labour is in power, but they have failed to commit to scrapping the Benefit Cap and NRPF, two of the biggest drivers of child poverty. Families in Newcastle—and across the UK—cannot wait. Labour must act now.

Newcastle City Council Exposed for Damp & Mould Failures

Newcastle City Council ranks among the worst in Britain for damp and mould, yet tenants like Parvin are still waiting for real repairs. After months of ignored complaints, Food & Solidarity took action—delivering a Certificate of Incompetence to the council, exposing their failure to provide safe housing.

This isn’t just one case. almost 2,000 council homes in Newcastle suffer from damp, mould, and delayed repairs. If you’re facing similar conditions, you’re not alone. Join the fight for safe homes.

👉 Report your housing issue now:www.foodandsolidarity.org/help
👉 Get involved:www.foodandsolidarity.org/join

Union membership gives workers the power to fight for better wages and conditions—but what about struggles beyond the workplace? Food & Solidarity builds on the same principles of solidarity and direct action, supporting members with food, housing, and community organizing. Together, we strengthen our movements and win real change.