Times are hard for the majority of people right now due to the cost of living crisis, so to help with this Barking and Dagenham Council’s Regulatory Service has launched a scheme to help support local food banks in the borough.

Regulatory Charitable Giving was launched on Tuesday 25 April, and officers were encouraged to bring in items such as food and toiletries.

The Regulatory Service is made up of the council’s enforcement teams, including Community Safety, Trading Standards, Parking plus many more.

The first food bank supported was HumDum Foodbank, which takes place every Saturday at the Ripple Centre, Barking and Trading Standards Officers delivered the items earlier this week.

Councillor Syed Ghani, Cabinet Member for Enforcement and Community Safety said: “We’re currently going through a really tough time with more and more people needing support to help them through the cost of living crisis. I am really proud that our Regulatory Service have taken it upon themselves to help in their own little way.

“If residents are struggling financially, I would really encourage them to reach out to the council and speak to someone from our Homes and Money Hub or visit any of our Community Hubs around the borough – there is plenty of support available.”

The service will be collecting items at their monthly whole service meeting and will be supporting several food banks in the borough.

If residents need support, they should head to the council’s website: www.lbbd.gov.uk/cost-living-support.