Universal Credit was designed to simplify a welfare system and make work pay for people, which we welcome. However, the roll-out has caused significant problems, with delays of six weeks and more to payments. Such delays can plunge people into crisis and foodbanks across the country have reported an increase in the number of emergency food supplies being issued, which corresponds with areas that have introduced Universal Credit.
At The Trussell Trust, we constantly seek to highlight and challenge the circumstances that lead to people using foodbanks in the UK. In April we issued and Early Warnings report, giving a series of informed recommendations to ease the transition.
The Trussell Trust is now calling for a pause in the roll-out of Universal Credit so that these problems can be fully addressed.
Click to read our full statement
How can you help?
We know that, until the problems with the roll-out of Universal Credit are fully resolved, many people living in our communities are struggling to put food on their table, so please continue to support your local foodbank. Whatever the reasons for people going hungry, foodbanks are rallying to help people in crisis. Your support is vital and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
To find your local foodbank and see what they are short of please click the link below.