William Eichler 19 September 2019

Universal Credit drives food bank use, charity says

A new report from the main provider of food banks has warned that the roll out of Universal Credit has been a major factor behind the increase in food bank use.

The Trussell Trust has found that in areas where UC has been rolled out for at least a year, food banks in it’s network have seen a 30% increase in demand.

In areas with the new system for at least 18 months this jumps to 40%, and increases again to 48% for food banks in areas with UC for at least two years.

Universal Credit is the Government’s welfare reform that rolls six welfare payments into one. It has been criticised because claimants often have to wait five weeks for payments – a delay that can worsen their financial situation.

‘Universal Credit should be there to anchor any of us against the tides of poverty. But the five week wait fatally undermines this principle, pushing people into debt, homelessness and destitution,’ said the trust’s chief executive Emma Revie.

‘In a society that believes in justice and compassion, this isn’t right. But it is something that can be fixed. Universal Credit was designed to have a wait. Now it’s clear that wait is five weeks too long, and we must change that design.’

A spokesperson for the Department for Work & Pensions rejected the Trussell Trust’s conclusions and accused them of using ‘unrepresentative data’.

‘This report uses unrepresentative data to reach an entirely unsubstantiated conclusion. It categorically does not prove that Universal Credit is the reason behind increased food bank usage,’ they said.

‘With UC people can get paid urgently if they need it and we’ve changed the system so people can receive even more money in the first two weeks than under the old system.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Head of Democratic Services, Elections & Monitoring Officer

Harborough District Council
Grade 12 £67,236 – £71,223 plus £3000pa Statutory Officer Allowance
We are looking for an accomplished and proactive leader for our vacant post of Head of Democratic Services & Elections Market Harborough, Leicestershire
Recuriter: Harborough District Council

Social Worker

Durham County Council
£35,412 - £39,152 (pre-progression) / £40,777 - £45,091 (post-progression)
We are looking for social workers who have completed the assessed and supported year in employment to join our Families First teams, working with our Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Social Worker

Durham County Council
Grade 9 £35,412 - £39,152 (Pre-Progression) / Grade 11 £40,777 - £45,091 (Post-Progression)
Are you a nurturing social worker passionate about supporting parents so that children can remain with their birth family?     This could be the right Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Administrative Officer

Durham County Council
Grade 4 £25,583 - £26,824
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Administrative Officer to join our busy, friendly team, supporting Children and Young People’s Services. 1 x Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Lunchtime Play Worker

Durham County Council
£24,796 pro rata
Lunchtime Play Worker Grade 1 £24,796 pro rata Part Time - 6.25 hour per week, Monday – Friday
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner