WEIGHTY PROBLEM
Wishaw charity dishes out extra tonne of food as Universal Credit scheme creates poverty misery
A controversial benefit scheme is being blamed for a huge rise in food poverty. Ba Basics Foodbank No North Lanarkshire h ha s d i s h e d o out an extra t tonne of food to desperate f families this y year. And charity b boss Dav i d Sha Shaw believes the introduction of the Universal Credit system is partly to blame for the surge in users.
He said: “This is a tragic reflection of where we are at today.
“The last four months have seen an increase compared with the same period 12 months ago.
“The amount of parcels we were dishing out seemed to have stabilised since we started eight years ago, however things appear to be getting worse now.
“The indications that it was going to get very, very busy as a result of Universal Credit has not been without foundation.
“This system seems to be having a massive effect on families.
“We now seem to be going back the way as opposed to taking steps forward.”
David said the food bank has this year already given out 20 per cent more parcels.
David added: “It really is tragic that this is where we are at in 2018.”
Basics Foodbank currently has 30 volunteers with bases
in Wishaw Baptist Church, Motherwell Crosshill Parish Church, Airdrie Pilgrim Community Church and Viewpark Parish Church of Scotland.
David added: “Thank you to everyone who gives to us across our collection points in the communities we serve.
“This allows us to meet the everincreasing demand.”
Linda Scott, of One Parent Families Scotland, which currently operates a peer mentoring scheme in North Lanarkshire for pregnant teenagers, said: “Thank you David for all your help and support for our parents at One Parent Families Scotland.
“Universal Credit has had a huge impact on single parents in North Lanarkshire and your support is greatly appreciated.”
Universal Credit has replaced Child Tax Credit, Housing Benefit, Income Support, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA), income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) and Working Tax Credit.
It is paid either monthly or twice a month for some people.