The Queen's funeral will shut down food banks and other cost of living services while the country grapples with its worst poverty crisis in decades.
Critics say millions at risk “cannot wait for help” as the country grinds to a halt for the event, whose cost is expected to run into the millions.
At least one food bank has reversed the decision to close after “overwhelming support” meant additional volunteers were available for shifts on the bank holiday, but at least six others – in Sutton, Trafford South, Southwark, East Elmbridge, Sunderland and Headingley – have said they will have to close. Five of these are funded by the Trussell Trust but governed independently, meaning decisions to stay open are made locally. Volunteers at the Right Choices Project in Headingley, Leeds, said they were unable to open as food deliveries had been cancelled.
