NEW analysis has revealed the number of people missing meals in the Bradford district as the cost-of-living crisis continues.

Data from Bradford District Labour, based on national research by Kantar and More In Common, reveals this number to be a staggering 113,847.

As of the Census in 2021, Bradford's population was 546,400. This means 20 per cent of people in the district are missing out on meals.

The analysis also found half of the district (276,485) has been forced to cut down on electricity or heating.

Bradford District Labour’s Poverty Champion, Councillor Beverley Mullaney, said: “The cost of living crisis is getting worse and worse and it is driving families in the Bradford District to make heart-breaking choices.

"Yet instead of stepping in to help, the Conservatives have made things worse.

"Their reckless and irresponsible actions have crashed the British economy, blowing a giant hole in the nation’s finances and making us all poorer through higher prices, bigger mortgage payments and rising rents.

"Despite the irresponsible actions of the Tory government, Labour councillors are working hard here in the Bradford district to support our communities through this.”

The data also showed 43,370 Bradfordians, almost eight per cent have been forced to use a food bank.

Feedo Needo, an award-winning charity organisation, has been running the food bank in Bradford since May 2020.

A spokesperson said: "Since June 2022, Feedo Needo has seen an increase in the number of service users using the food bank.

"West Bowling is one of the deprived areas with the highest unemployment rates and Feedo Needo has been helping the vulnerable, elderly and those struggling to put meals on the table for their family.

"Here at Feedo Needo, we are also supporting service users by helping them apply for benefits, providing support with interview skills and applying for jobs."

Cllr Sarah Ferriby, Bradford Council’s Executive Member for Healthy People and Places, said: “The Conservative government is letting our communities down and the current situation is a shocking indictment of their record after 12 years of failure.

"Labour would restore sanity and stability to our economy with a fully funded plan for more inclusive growth – led by real investment to secure the green jobs of the future.

"Locally we are also working closely with our partner organisations to ensure that there is the strongest possible support available for people in our district who are struggling through the extremely difficult times of this cost of living crisis.”