Growing need for food banks from people claiming UC

A new report from the Trussell Trust warns of growing need for food banks from people claiming Universal Credit as one in five people on the benefit say that they are ‘very likely’ to turn to one, if the £20 rise is removed.

The Trussell Trust is urgently calling on the government to keep the £20 weekly uplift to Universal Credit due to end in April, as a survey reveals the alarming consequences of cutting it. Polling shows that 41 per cent of people claiming Universal Credit – representing more than 2.4 million people across the UK – fear they will be very likely to cut back on food for themselves if the planned cut goes ahead in April.

Research also indicates that 13 per cent of parents surveyed think they would be very likely to cut back on food for their children, meaning they simply would not have enough money to cover the basics.

The charity has joined with many other organisations in urging the government to make the uplift permanent, or maintain it for one year at the very least, as well as extend it to people on legacy benefits who were denied the uplift last year. It adds that only by keeping this lifeline in the longer-term will it be possible to work towards creating a hunger free future.

Emma Revie, chief executive at the Trussell Trust, said: “The £20 increase to Universal Credit introduced at the start of the pandemic has been vital in protecting tens of thousands of people from being swept into serious financial hardship. This survey reveals the shocking consequences of what lies ahead if this lifeline is cut in April. This isn’t right. No one should have to suffer the indignity of relying on emergency food.  It’s clear that action is needed to ensure our benefits system provides people with enough money to cover the essentials. That’s why we’re insisting the government turns this situation around. Keeping the £20 Universal Credit uplift, and extending it to legacy benefits, will provide an anchor from poverty for people who need it most. The government should continue to do the right thing and keep this lifeline. It is a crucial step in moving towards a hunger free future for the UK.”