Ending Universal Credit uplift will leave Norfolk food banks busier than ever
The £20 uplift to Universal Credit comes to an end today, after being introduced in April 2020
Last updated 6th Oct 2021
Norfolk's food banks are expecting to be busier than ever in the coming weeks and months, as the temporary uplift to Universal Credit, introduced during the pandemic, comes to an end today.
Charities across the country are warning the Government's decision to scrap the £20 pound uplift will hit the poorest hardest.
Reverend Mary Sachikonye who helps run the food bank at Mile Cross Church in Norwich told us that she's now receiving "three to four calls a day" from people asking for food and support
She says this is a sharp increase from the "occasional call" she would get from people, pre-pandemic.
She told us that she's had to take things from her own shelves and spend some of her own money to buy food for those who can't afford it "on many occasions".
Reverend Sachikonye went on to say that "more should be done" and that decision-makers "don't have a clue about how much people are suffering".
She concluded by saying that local people have been incredibly generous over the last 18 months and are continuing to go above and beyond to help.
Helen Gilbert, is the project leader of a King's Lynn's food bank and is equally worried about what this decision will mean for local people.
She told us her food bank normally sees an uptick in visitors during autumn and winter anyway.
"People are using more of their money for heating and lighting during this period and also setting some of their income to one side for Christmas. Particularly after such an awful one last year".
"Furthermore, most of our clients are on pre-payment meters and they are always on higher tariffs, so they are the first to feel it when the winter comes".
Ms Gilbert says she's "tried to explain to local authorities about what it's like to be dependent on food banks".
She concluded by saying that when the uplift was first introduced "we stopped seeing a lot of people", because they were able to support themselves thanks to "that extra little bit".
"Now that this support is no more- I expect those people will return and we are bracing ourselves for an influx of many more".
A Government spokesman said: “We’ve always been clear that the uplift to Universal Credit was temporary.
“It was designed to help claimants through the economic shock and financial disruption of the toughest stages of the pandemic, and it has done so.
“Universal Credit will continue to provide vital support for those both in and out of work and it’s right that the Government should focus on our Plan for Jobs, supporting people back into work and supporting those already employed to progress and earn more.”