William Eichler 15 April 2016

Foodbank use partly driven by benefit delays

Record foodbank use levels are the result of benefit delays and changes, The Trussell Trust has found.

The latest figures from the charity show foodbank use remains at record levels - rising 2% on last year's figures. In 2015/16, 1,109,309 three day emergency food supplies were provided to people in crisis, compared to 1,084,604 in 2014/15. 415,866 went to children.

In partnership with the University of Hull, the Trust has developed a new tool that maps foodbank data against census data. It allows for a clearer breakdown of the main drivers of food poverty

Trussell found benefit delays and changes, including to Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA), Employment Support Allowance (ESA) and Personal Independence Payments (PIP), remain the biggest causes of foodbank use, accounting for 42% of all referrals (28% benefit delay; 14% changes), a slight reduction on last year's 44%.

In some areas foodbanks report increased referrals due to delays and arrears in Universal Credit payments.

Foodbank users are also driven there by low income. This has risen as a referral cause from 22% to 23%.

David McAuley, chief executive of The Trussell Trust says: 'Today's figures on national foodbank use prove that the numbers of people hitting a crisis where they cannot afford to buy food are still far too high. One million three day food supplies given out by our foodbanks every year is one million too many. This must not become the new normal.

'Reducing UK hunger will require a collective effort from the voluntary sector, Government, DWP, businesses and the public, and The Trussell Trust is keen to work with all these groups to find solutions that stop so many people needing foodbanks in future.'

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Educational Psychologist

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
£57072 - £58072 per annum
We are looking for qualified and HCPC registered Educational Psychologists or Year 3 Trainee Educational Psychologists to join our thriving, progressi England, London, City of London
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

Senior Educational Psychologist

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
£66555 - £67555 per annum
As a result of internal promotions within our service we are looking for committed Senior Educational Psychologists to join us in our work to shape th England, London, City of London
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

Principal Accountant

Durham County Council
£47,181 to £51,356 p.a. (Grade 13)
Durham County Council is the largest council in the North East, we have a budget of around £1.3 billion which helps us provide services to more than 5 Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Mechanical Foreman

Durham County Council
£35,412 to £39,152 p.a. (Grade 9)
A vacancy has arisen within Building and Facilities Management for a Mechanical Foreman working full time 37 hours.   WHAT IS INVOLVED?    Within a co Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Occupational Health Physiotherapist

Durham County Council
£40,777 to £45,091 p.a. (Grade 11)
An exciting opportunity has arisen with Durham County Council to join our well established ‘in house’ Occupational Health Service in making a positiv Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner