It's tough going for too many

There's little doubt that times are getting tougher, especially for those on low incomes.

One of the most obvious gauges of social deprivation is the level of demand for food parcels and, as latest figures released to the Chronicle show, Wanganui has an increasing share of people needing help.

The City Mission had given out 1452 food parcels for the year by the end of November, 68 more than in all of 2010.

Adding to the concern was the fact that the number of people asking for food parcels for the first time had also surged, 121 up on November 2010.

Another indicator is Christian Social Services Wanganui's emergency housing, Project Jericho, which had provided 6405 bed nights to the end of last month, more than 600 ahead of last year.

Put together, these factors paint a grim picture. It's a sobering thought but, for many people in our city, it's reality.

There's no shortage of small towns, as well as larger centres, that are feeling the pinch as the country continues to battle economic hardship and the after-effects of the Canterbury earthquakes.

The incoming National-led Government will need to make addressing this situation its priority.

For all the talk of building a prosperous and sustainable economy, the real benefit will only be seen if the economy starts generating jobs for people in smaller centres like Wanganui, moving against the trend of centralisation and business closures that has already cost our city more than its fair share of jobs and residents.

Rebuilding the country's economy will take time. In the meantime, however, there will be a not unreasonable expectation from many of the public that care is taken to look after those at the bottom of the food chain.

Political opponents of National, in particular, have expressed concern over the party's proposed welfare reforms. A balance can be struck between cracking down on those who abuse the benefit system and those who are in genuine need. It will be up to the new Government to find that balance.

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