The Trussell Trust Charity has said that if the five-week minimum wait for Universal Credit payment is not reduced, the only way to prevent even more people being forced to use foodbanks this winter is to pause all new claims to Universal Credit.
The inability of benefit levels to cover essential living costs and issues with payments remain the most common reasons for referral to a foodbank.
The Trussell Trust has stated that ‘Action still needed on Universal Credit wait, as new figures show a 13% increase in foodbank use in just six months compared to this time last year.’ It added, ‘The inability of benefit levels to cover essential living costs and issues with payments remain the most common reasons for referral to a foodbank. Universal Credit is not the only benefit people at foodbanks are experiencing problems with, but the new system is increasingly driving referrals due to benefit delays, which include waiting for a first payment or having problems with a new claim.
Emma Revie – Chief Executive of The Trussell Trust
She believes in a benefits system that was created for protecting each other, adding, “We created systems like our national health service, fire service and benefits system because we’re a country that believes in protecting each other. Our benefits system is supposed to anchor any of us from being swept into poverty, but if Universal Credit is to do that, we need to see urgent changes.”
“It’s not right that people are being forced to use foodbanks after weeks of waiting for Universal Credit payments. The changes announced in last week’s budget are a good start – but they won’t solve all the problems foodbanks see, and they won’t help people making new claims this winter.”
She went on to say, “We’re seeing soaring levels of need at foodbanks. The time to act is now. If the five week wait isn’t reduced, the only way to stop even more people being forced to foodbanks this winter will be to pause all new claims to Universal Credit. Foodbanks cannot continue to pick up the pieces – we have to make sure our benefits system can protect people from hunger.”
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