Church leaders and Christian agencies say they are disappointed that neither of the two biggest political parties have included a commitment to the Robin Hood Tax in their manifestos.

Twenty-six leading poverty experts, including many church leaders, have challenged the Chancellor and Opposition finance ministers to seize a once-in-a-generation opportunity to close the gap between rich and poor.

Church groups concerned with housing and poverty are inviting people to share, exchange and re-use what they have to combat the hardships of the economic downturn. The week of action began n Saturday and at church services yesterday.

Insisting that “there is enough for all”, three church organisations have challenged their supporters to share, exchange and reuse, to combat the economic downturn. They say there is an alternative to a system built on greed.