Kentish Gazette Canterbury & District
‘Perfect storm’ set to leave families struggling to eat
Stark warning as benefits cut and bills hiked
The end of furlough and a £20-a-week uplift in universal credit could see unprecedented numbers relying on food handouts, according to a city charity.
Canterbury Food Bank (CFB) says a combination of factors including the end of a temporary rise in universal credit, and higher gas bills and national insurance contributions - will spell a “perfect storm”.
The charity has been under “exceptional” pressure during the pandemic, which saw demand for its services double.
It provides more than 5,000 meals a month to vulnerable families across the district.
But it is now anticipating even more pressure as winter approaches, and is stockpiling food in preparation.
During the pandemic, payments of universal credit - which supports those who are out of work or on low incomes - were raised by £20-a-week to help those struggling.
But the measure is due to end on Wednesday, prompting a stark warning from CFB’S chair of trustees, Martin Ward.
“Canterbury Food Bank has been under great pressure during the pandemic and there is no sign that this will come to an end,” he said.
“Now we face new challenges as the government removes the £20 uplift on Universal Credit, so that benefit rates are lower in real terms than they have been at any time since the 1980s.
“At the same time the furlough and small business support schemes are being wound down.
“We anticipate that the number of vulnerable clients coming to us, which has already doubled during the pandemic, will increase further.”
Some existing food bank cli
ents have expressed concerns about the coming months.
One client, who did not wish to be named, said: “I am struggling to feed my family as I need to keep the home warm for the children. I’m worried about the difficult times ahead and how I will cope.”
Another woman said: “I’m on a key meter and have a debt repayment plan in place but I am still struggling to meet the payments without the gas price increase. I don’t know what I will do when the prices go up.”
Some have pointed out the £20-a-week hike was “only ever meant to be temporary”, but other district residents say people have come to rely on it.
Writing on the Gazette’s Facebook page, Nicola Robinson said: “I’m a single mum doing a full time degree so this will be a big loss for me and my son.”
Bobbie Lee added: “I’m not on universal credit, but I’ve lived through times where my finances were mega stretched and I was living hand to mouth.
“£80 less a month would have meant struggling to pay bills or buy food. So many people are going to be massively affected by this.”
Canterbury Food Bank urges those in need to seek help.
Coordinator Angela Gardiner said: “If you are struggling CFB are able to help with basic food, toiletries, cleaning items, nappies etc. Don’t wait till your cupboards are empty before you come to us for help.”
Visit canterburyfoodbank.org.