'Massive' demand at North Lanarkshire foodbank after universal credit uplift scrapped
Foodbanks say they're already seeing an increase in the number of people struggling to put food on the table.
Last updated 14th Oct 2021
Foodbank bosses say they're seeing an "extremely worrying" increase in the number of people turning to them for help.
It comes after the Government scrapped the Universal Credit uplift, put in place to help during the pandemic.
The UK Government has insisted the boost was always temporary and that it's focus is now in supporting people back into work.
READ MORE: Glasgow families say end of Universal Credit uplift "means choosing between heating and eating"
It’s not just the Universal Credit cut that’s causing the surge in foodbank users, though.
Other factors include soaring food and energy prices.
"I don't think they realise how much of an impact this is going to have on people."
As many are being pushed into poverty, foodbanks themselves are urging people to donate food as demand soars.
It’s resulted in foodbank bosses urging ministers to think again and to make the cash boost permanent.
John Malcolm, from the Wee Mobile Foodbank in North Lanarkshire said: “There’s a massive increase in the uptake for a food bank just now, and there’s a consistent message that seems to be Universal Credit is the biggest issue.”
"The first day that the extra £20 was removed, we had messages straight away. That money made a huge difference to families.
"The increase in the price of food and household bills just now, and the fact Christmas is just around the corner, and the demand from children being off school, is just eating some families out of house and home."
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