Almost half of people who used food banks during the summer owed money to the Department of Work and Pensions, new research has revealed.
This was because of loans or benefit overpayments – up 10 per cent since before the pandemic.
The Trussell Trust found three quarters of households on Universal Credit who needed emergency food parcels were repaying an advance payment. This is a loan usually given to cover the five-week wait for a first installment of the benefit.
“Our welfare system should increase people’s security, not suffering,” Trussell Trust chief executive Emma Revie said.
Thinking of donating to your local #foodbank ahead of #Christmas? Don’t forget to check what items your local food bank needs most & try to donate as early as possible. Every donation makes such a difference so thank you! > https://t.co/ixcAjJWNgM pic.twitter.com/DzSQh0mvDX
— The Trussell Trust (@TrussellTrust) November 29, 2020
“Taking money off payments to repay these debts makes it much harder for people to afford the essentials and can impact on people’s mental health – this isn’t okay.”