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Opponents of the cap argue that it unfairly targets low-income families and goes against the principles of a welfare state.
The Baby Bank in Bootle is just one of many community-led initiatives that have sprung up in response to growing levels of child poverty and food insecurity in the UK. Fans Supporting Foodbanks, for example, is a grassroots organisation that distributes food and toiletries to families before matches at Everton and Liverpool football clubs.
As the Covid-19 pandemic has exacerbated the financial struggles faced by many, these initiatives have become more vital than ever. However, many of those volunteering for such organisations, including Davidson, agree that their work alone cannot solve the underlying issue of poverty.
“It’s a sticking plaster,” she said. “Until people’s circumstances improve, until they can afford to have the basics for their children, they’re going to need this, and that’s wrong in this day and age. It shouldn’t be like that.”
