Emergency food parcels given out by the Trussell Trust increased by 19% in the last year
New figures from the Trussell Trust show that the number of emergency food parcels their network has given out to people in the past year has increased by almost 19 per cent, on the previous year. Around half of referrals to foodbanks (49 per cent) were linked to delays in Universal Credit payments.
Responding to the data, Ayaz Manji, Senior Policy and Campaigns Officer at Mind says:
“It’s appalling to see the huge increase in people depending on food parcels because they can’t afford to pay for essentials themselves. Every year 300,000 people fall out of work as a result of a mental health problem and many will need support from the benefits system to help stay afloat. Our social security system should be helping people live independently and keeping people out of poverty.“The Government must involve others including charities and people who need financial support to improve our benefits system, making sure it works for everyone who needs financial security, including those of us experiencing mental health problems.
“We urgently need to see the Government fix the problems with Universal Credit. That includes making sure that no-one is left without income while waiting for their first payment, or when they move from other benefits onto Universal Credit.”
