AS THE COST of living increases drastically and families struggle to make ends meet, Bradford baby bank has announced that the families it supports are set to face the worst year yet.

Latest statistics show that 96 per cent of baby banks surveyed across the UK said it would be the worst year yet for families trapped in poverty.

With fuel and food prices set to rise and the impact of covid still being felt for many, families who are already struggling are expected to have an even tougher year.

Bradford baby bank was one of 90 baby banks surveyed by one of the largest baby banks in the UK, Little Village. The survey shows that UK baby banks fear that 2022 will be the worst year yet for families trapped in poverty.

The impact poverty is having on young children ranges from not having suitable clothing, shoes that fit to children going hungry and lacking basic hygiene due to the lack of resources.

Over 79 per cent of baby banks reported that one of the common issues children living in poverty are facing is that they don’t have a safe space to sleep and are either sleeping on towels on the floor or using sofa cushions as a mattress. Reports show that 36 per cent of children don’t have their nappies changed regularly as parents can’t afford to buy nappies.

The research shows that baby banks believe that the rising cost of living is to blame for so many families needing support from their services, with almost all listing this as the top reason for families needing help.

It is thought that over 1.3 million of the four million living in poverty in the UK are aged under five.

Spokesperson from Bradford baby bank said: “These statistics speak for themselves and are reflective of the situation we find ourselves in here in Bradford.

“Each week we meet families who are forced to choose between eating and heating, unable to provide basics for their children like nappies or warm clothing, let alone things like toys or books.

“We are really concerned about the fuel price rises, there’s a very real risk that many of the children we support will be living in freezing homes because their parents can’t afford to put the heating on.

“There is not enough support for the families of young children trapped in poverty and we would like the Government to put adequate financial support in place to prevent these families from going into crisis.”