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

Graduate Trainee Electric Vehicle Infrastructure

North Yorkshire Council
£25,183 - £30,559
Could you help us deliver Electric Vehicle infrastructure to support this new transformation mode of transport. Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Contracts and Strategy Officer

Royal Borough of Greenwich
£41,442 - £44,331
Royal Greenwich is on the up! Having achieved a 3.8% increase in our recycling rate this year Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich

Senior Developer

Royal Borough of Greenwich
£52,584 - £69,068
Royal Greenwich is a vibrant borough, with a rich history and diverse community. Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich

SEND Operations Assistant - 2 year FTC

Essex County Council
£25081 - £26679 per annum + + 26 Days Leave & Local Gov Pension
SEND Operations AssistantFixed Term, Full Time£25,081 to £26,679 Per AnnumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Welfare Benefits & Money Advice Caseworker

Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council
Band E SCP 18-25 (£30,559 - £35,235 per annum
We have an exciting opportunity for a skilled individual to join our Welfare Rights Team Sandwell, West Midlands
Recuriter: Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council
Linkedin Banner