Thomas Bridge 02 June 2014

DWP ‘in denial’ over food banks, MSPs say

The Government is ‘in denial’ about rising food bank use and ‘ignoring’ problems caused by welfare reform – Scottish MPs have said.

A report from the Scottish Parliament’s Welfare Reform Committee has concluded recent changes to welfare are a ‘significant cause’ of rising demand experienced by providers of food aid, pointing to a 400% increase in the number people receiving assistance in the past year.

Members of the committee urged the DWP ‘to own up to the role it is playing’ in causing increasing food bank demand and ‘stop pretending this is simply all about people looking for something for nothing’.

Michael McMahon, convenor of the committee, said Government attitudes towards food bank users were ‘insulting’.

‘The UK Government can no longer ignore the evidence that their welfare reforms are having a real impact on people’s ability to feed themselves. There can be no place for this in a modern, prosperous nation, just as there should be no need for food banks,’ McMahon said.

Deputy committee convener, Jamie Hepburn, said the DWP was ‘pushing people to the brink – and often beyond’.

Commenting on the committee’s findings, a DWP spokesman said the report ‘isn't based on solid evidence, but on the opinions of those interviewed’.

‘The truth is that employment is going up, benefits are being paid to claimants more quickly and independent experts tell us that there are fewer people struggling with their food bills compared with a few years ago. The Trussell Trust and other foodbanks agree that increased awareness has helped to explain their recent growth,’ the spokesman added.

‘We spend £94bn a year on working age benefits and the welfare system provides a safety net that supports millions of people who are on low incomes or unemployed.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Traffic Management Officer - WMF2114e

Westmorland and Furness Council
£37,035 - £37,938
Are you an experienced and motivated professional looking to take the next step in your traffic management career? Cumbria / Various
Recuriter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Peripatetic Support Assistant

Wakefield Council
£16,415.00 - £16,675.23 Grade 4, 24.5 hours, Permanent
Are you caring, compassionate, and friendly? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Peripatetic Support Assistant

Wakefield Council
£14,070.00 - £14,293.05 Grade 4, 21 hours, Permanent
Are you caring, compassionate, and friendly? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Recruitment Support Officer

Durham County Council
£25,584 to £27,711 p.a. (Grade 5) pay award pending
We are looking for a Recruitment Support Officer to join our team on a temporary basis until 31 March 2026. In this role, you will provide a comprehe Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Enforcement Assistant

Durham County Council
£25,584 to £27,711 p.a. (Grade 5) Pay award pending
Durham County Council is a forward looking Council that recognises the need for passionate people who share our enthusiasm to deliver fantastic servic Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner