‘We have so far to go to help those in care’
People who have been in care make up one in five food bank users, new report says
One in five people using food banks in Scotland have spent time in care, a new report has revealed.
The shocking new figure from charity the Trussell Trust has sparked calls for a minimum income scheme to give care-leavers a secure future and self-reliance. Campaigners warn Scotland has fallen behind the rest of the UK in making sure our most vulnerable children have better chances in adulthood.
Last year, Wales introduced the £1,600-a-month minimum income scheme for care-leavers. They receive payment for two years after they reach the age of 18 to ensure there is a financial cushion to help them into further education or to give them a “step-up” to secure a stable independent future.
England is following suit with its own pilot scheme. Despite calls for Scotland to do the same for our 8,000 care-leavers, First Minister Humza Yousaf has failed to back proposals, despite warnings that a failure to do so leaves the most vulnerable struggling with poor budgeting skills, high levels of debt and the real risk of developing poor mental health or falling into addiction. Polly Jones, head of the Trussell Trust Scotland, said: “For the first time, our Hunger In Scotland report shows how the impact of care-experience significantly increases your chances of needing a food bank.
“We have promised to ensure careexperienced people are loved, safe and respected in Scotland. These new figures demonstrate how far we still have to go to honour this.”
The Trussell Trust also warns that along with hunger, isolation is a major factor with one in four using food banks having just one social contact a month.
The Promise, Scotland’s commitment to improving the lives of children in care by 2030, warn that careexperienced children are twice as likely to be homeless by 30, and 1.5 times more likely to experience multiple disadvantage such as addiction or mental health issues.
They also earn 27% less than peers who have never been in care, and last year 29% were not in further education or training nine months after leaving school compared to just 7% of other school-leavers.
Chloe Riddell, policy lead for The Promise, said: “The Independent Care Review was clear about the need to address the pervasive impact of poverty on Scotland’s care system, and the importance of adequately and appropriately supporting people who have experience of care. It asked Scotland to behave and act like a good parent, supporting young people as they enter adulthood and uphold older care experienced people’s right to access caring services for as long as they require them.
“It is extremely concerning that three years on since its publication, a fifth of people coming to food banks are care experienced. This stark research offers an urgent reminder about the impact of poverty on both children and families entering the care system, and on the lifelong experiences of care experienced
people.” The Promise Oversight Board Report recently warned the cost-of-living crisis had presented challenges to local authorities delivering care and support, with few following through.
Riddell said: “There must be urgent action to consider how the findings of this research can be addressed in addition to the ongoing and important work that the Scottish Government is doing to address child poverty and end the use of food banks.”
Jo Derrick, CEO of the Scottish Throughcare and Aftercare Forum (Staf) said: “These latest figures are a stark reminder that we have a collective responsibility to ensure our society cares better and is ambitious for care experienced people within our community. At Staf, we strongly believe a guaranteed income, coupled with holistic services, can make a huge difference, providing security, choice and agency and it is heartening to see that the Welsh basic income pilot is already seeing positive results.”
Scottish Conservative Shadow Social Justice Minister Miles Briggs said : “We act as corporate parents to those in care, and must continue to do the job when they leave care to ensure they have the best possible chance of accessing further education and the freedom to work towards securing a stable future. “These shocking new figures of care-leavers accessing food bands show just how badly we have continued to fail those in care.” Martin Canavan, head of policy for the Aberlour Children’s Trust, believes a minimum income scheme would alleviate huge pressures for care-leavers. He said: “As they move into adulthood, the financial situation facing them is often precarious, leaving them most at risk of exploitation or of homelessness or of mental health problems. Other young people often have the bank of mum and dad. For care-leavers, a minimum guaranteed income scheme would allow them to thrive rather than just struggle to survive.”
The Scottish government received an interim report in March over “preparing the ground” for a minimum income scheme.
They said: “We know that many young people with care experience are at risk of poorer outcomes and can face significant barriers to achieving a positive transition to adulthood and more independent living.”