Tory: Foodbank users just have cash flow issues

A TOP Tory was branded “stupid and deeply offensive” yesterday after he insisted most foodbank users are not poverty-stricken. Dominic Raab said people with “cash flow problems” were to blame for surging demand at the Trussell Trust, which gave out 1.2 million food parcels last year. The ex-justice Minister told an election debate led by the BBC’S Victoria Derbyshire: “I’ve studied the Trussell Trust data. “The typical user is not someone languishing in poverty, it’s someone who has a cash flow problem episodically.” He faced an instant backlash from the audience and co-panellists but insisted: “No, it’s true!” But the Trussell Trust said the main reason for 28% of referrals in 2015-16 was “benefit delays”, then 23% for “low income”, 13% for “benefit changes” and 7% for debt. Overall, 42% cited benefits issues. A spokesman said: “People living in poverty are more likely to experience a sudden short-term crisis.” An audience hit out at Mr Raab, saying: “People are using food banks because salaries haven’t increased. We’re the sixth richest country in the world. “It’s an absolute disgrace that anybody has to go to a foodbank.” Lib Dem leader Tim Farron said Mr Raab’s “stupid and deeply offensive comments... shame him and his party”. He added: “People are hurting and the Tories, with comments like this, show they just don’t care.” Labour’s Emily Thornberry added: “People should not need to rely on foodbanks. This is not right.” And Labour election co-ordinator Andrew Gwynne said Mr Raab was blaming poor foodbank users for “seven years of Tory failure”.

‘STUPID’ Tory Raab