The Women's Equality Party this week called for an end to child hunger by adopting a radical new economic model for the UK.

The party voted to adopt a policy of 'Reimagining the UK Economic System' at its recent Party Conference.

The policy includes the use of the 'doughnut' model of economics as described by Oxford Economist Kate Raworth.

This model, named after the diagram used to describe it, departs from the economic mantra that 'growth' and 'GDP' are the only measures of success.

It also values outcomes in health, education, equality, community and the wellbeing of the whole planet.

Tabitha Moreton, Deputy Leader of the Women's Equality Party and CEO of More United brought the motion to the conference, saying: "The coronavirus pandemic has shown us that our current economic system is absolutely and completely unfit for purpose.

"All too often, we have been told we have to make a choice between the needs of the economy, the people and the environment.

"And almost always, the economy has won out... During the first few months of the pandemic, it was refreshing and reassuring to see public health accepted as the priority… But as we head into a second wave the cabinet is already tearing itself apart with that classic 'either/or' – public health or the economy."

Doughnut economics is a model for delivering both human and planetary health, with a focus on meeting the needs of the entire community.

The inner ring of the 'doughnut' includes the minimum elements needed for a 'good' life according to the UN's Sustainable Development Goals – including food, water, education and equality.

The outer 'ring' speaks of climate change, biodiversity, clean water, air quality and other environmental factors.

Cllr Kay Wesley, WEP's first elected representative and co-leader of WEP Cheshire East Branch, supported the policy, saying: "The doughnut model asks us to challenge what the economy is actually for.

"Is our wealth as one of the richest nations in the world intended to just line the pockets of very rich men, or is to benefit the whole of society and our planet?

"Those on low incomes contribute, so why are so many working families going hungry? The people, mostly women, doing the huge amount of unpaid

care work, are the backbone of our economy – but in traditional economics they are referred to as 'noncontributors'. This is both insulting and wrong.

"The coronavirus pandemic has brought into sharp focus the contributions of these low- and no-income workers, and it is time to re-think our economic priorities and value the impact and outcome of all types of work."

As the second COVID-19 wave hits, the problem of childhood hunger is again in the headlines.

Cllr Wesley comments: "Marcus Rashford has led the campaign to feed children, and many others have joined him, but not our MP Fiona Bruce, unfortunately.

"My Alsager councillor colleague Jo Dale mounted a protest outside Mrs Bruce's office in Congleton last week, and I applaud her for it.

"But we must ask ourselves - why people are going hungry in Cheshire East, a relatively affluent area of one of the richest countries in the world?"

In his UK report in 2018, Philip Alston, UN Special Envoy on Poverty and Human Rights, said: "The experience of the United Kingdom, especially since 2010, underscores the conclusion that poverty is a political choice."

Cllr Wesley says: "This government took a decision to make those on lower incomes pay for the crisis caused by the banks in 2008 through its austerity

programme.

"Our Congleton MP has consistently voted to support austerity measures including benefit reductions, the bedroom tax, and most recently,

against Marcus Rashford's holiday meal vouchers for children.

"People are left having to rely on charity in order to eat.

"I am full of admiration for the voluntary organisations in Congleton and their response to the coronavirus pandemic, including providing food, mental health support and practical help.

"Volunteers can provide life-enhancing services in normal times, and emergency life-saving in a crisis.

"But a civilised country does not rely only on charity to put food on the table or provide essential health and social care services."

Tabitha Moreton adds: "Jacinda Adern has said that 'Economic growth accompanied by worsening social outcomes is not success, it is failure'.

"We need to set a new bar for measuring the progress of our country. The City of Amsterdam has adopted doughnut economics, proving that you don't have to take a whole country with you to make a change."

Cllr Wesley concludes: "In Congleton, the town council has already set itself core objectives of equality and sustainability.

"Imagine what we could do if these became top priorities for both Cheshire East Council and the national government, backed up by a fairer and more sustainable economic policy?"