‘Crisis’ supplies needed due to delays in universal credit
RUNCORN foodbank has said it is having to provide crisis supplies to residents ‘waiting weeks’ for their first payment under the Universal Credit welfare system.
The charity reported that it issued 1,383 packs of essentials in the six months from April to September, of which 495 went to children.
Although overall demand in Runcorn was slightly down on last year, a Runcorn And District Foodbank spokesman said continued need is believed to be due to issues with Universal Credit, insecure work and a lack or reduction in Government support.
As well as some claimants waiting weeks for their first Universal Credit instalment, some residents are reported to be receiving payments that do not cover the cost of essentials.
Concerns are heightening as winter approaches and the need for crisis supplies is expected to rise.
Nationally, the Trussell Trust experienced an increase in demand, issuing 658,048 packs over six months – a 13% on the same period last year.
Runcorn foodbank said it shares the concerns of other groups in The Trussell Trust network over Universal Credit.
A national petition calling on the Government to fix Universal Credit from the End Hunger UK campaign, backed by The Trussell Trust and other charities and faith groups was delivered to 10 Downing Street on Wednesday, ● November 7.
Colin Keiley, Runcorn foodbank manager, said: “It’s a real concern that in only six months we’ve provided 1,383 emergency supplies to local people.
“These figures don’t even cover our busiest time of year, as the colder weather draws in, we often find more people needing our help.
“It’s not right that anyone in Runcorn and the surrounding area is being forced to turn to our foodbank.
“Our volunteers offer vital support when it matters most, but they should not need to.
“We want to see an end to local people needing emergency food, with a benefits system that catches people before they fall into crisis, and secure work that provides people with enough money to cover the cost of essentials, we could reach that future.
“We’re determined to make sure that until that time comes, emergency help is here for people, but there needs to be some long-term change because we don’t want to be here forever.”
The foodbank is in particular need of tinned fish, sponge puddings, deodorants and shower gel.
The charity has also asked for festive donations to be donated by the first week of December at the latest, to ensure volunteers have enough time to process and distribute them before Christmas.
Runcorn And District Foodbank’s running costs are above £12,000 a year.
Anyone interested in supporting the charity can visit https:// runcorndistrict. foodbank. org. uk/give-help/