William Eichler 27 October 2016

Benefit sanctions linked to ‘economic hardship and hunger’

New research has revealed a ‘strong and dynamic relationship’ between people having their benefit payments stopped and an increase in referrals to foodbanks.

Researchers from the University of Oxford have analysed Trussell Trust foodbank data from 259 local authorities between 2012 and 2015 and found as the rate of sanctioning increased within local authorities, the rate of foodbank use also increased.

Their results showed for every 10 additional sanctions applied in each quarter of the year, on average five more adults would be referred to Trussell Trust foodbanks in the area.

The report highlighted a spike in foodbank use in 2013, when over one million sanctions were applied.

The researchers argued this related to the changes to the sanction regime and Jobseeker’s Allowance that took place at this time.

These changes had included increasing benefit conditionality for claimants, sanctions imposed immediately for failure to meet these conditions, and longer sanctioning penalties, starting from a minimum of four weeks to up to three years.

Foodbanks distributed three times as much over the three year period studied – from just under 350,000 three-day emergency food supplies in 2012/13 to around 913,000 in 2013/14.

Report lead author Dr Rachel Loopstra, from the University of Oxford, said: ‘These findings show clear evidence of sanctions being linked to economic hardship and hunger, as we see a close relationship between sanctioning rates and rates of foodbank usage across local authorities in the UK.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

PRINCIPAL TRANSPORT PLANNING OFFICER

Hull City Council
£43693 - £46731
We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced professional to join our team in Hull as a Principal Transport Planning Officer. Kingston upon Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire
Recuriter: Hull City Council

HIGHWAYS AND TRAFFIC ENGINEER - 4 POSTS

Hull City Council
£43693 - £46731
We have several exciting opportunities for suitably qualified Highways Civil Engineers and Traffic Engineers Wilson Centre, 1st floor, Hull HU1 2AG
Recuriter: Hull City Council

Strategic Director, Finance and Resources (S.151 Officer)

Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council
£110,799 - £120,706
Blackburn with Darwen is a distinctive, welcoming and vibrant borough with a strong identity and a genuine buzz about the place. Blackburn, Lancashire
Recuriter: Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council

Residential Worker, Edge of Care Service

Durham County Council
Grade 7 £29,093 - £32,654 PAY AWARD PENDING
Join a Groundbreaking Team Supporting Families in Seaham Salary
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Bikeability Cycling Instructor

Durham County Council
Grade 4 £24,790 to £25,992 pro rata (Pay Award Pending)
The Road Safety Team are keen to recruit additional Casual Bikability Instructors to join our team of instructors delivering Bikeability cycle trainin Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner