Foodbank use hits a new high
The Trussell Trust says it's up 20% in a year
Last updated 25th Apr 2017
A record number of emergency supplies were given out at food banks in Scotland in the past year, new figures reveal.
Latest figures published by The Trussell Trust today show its 52 Scottish foodbanks provided 145,865 three-day emergency food supplies to people in crisis - including 47,955 for children - during the 2016/17 financial year.
It's an increase of nine per cent on the previous year when 133,726 three-day emergency food supplies were handed out.
Low income has, for the first time, become the single biggest reason for a referral to a Scottish foodbank.
The percentage of people referred due to low income increased, as a proportion of the overall figure, to 25 per cent from 21 per cent in 2015/16. Problems with benefit payments remain the biggest overall reason for a referral to a Trussell Trust foodbank in Scotland, accounting for 42 per cent of all referrals - 24 per cent for benefit delays and 18 per cent for benefit changes.
Food banks in areas where the new Universal Credit (UC) benefit was introduced saw an average increase in referrals for emergency food of almost 17%.
The trust said the effect of a six-week waiting period for a first UC payment could be serious, leading to debt and rent arrears. Benefit delays and changes remain the biggest cause of someone being referred to a foodbank by a doctor, social worker or jobcentre.
David McAuley, chief executive of the Trussell Trust, said: The move to simplify an often complex welfare system is a welcome one, but any large reform can have unforeseen consequences.
"Food banks see first-hand how changes to the welfare system affect people on the ground and so can offer an early warning to decision-makers.
"We are sharing our early observations with the Department for Work and Pensions to ensure any adverse side-effects Universal Credit can have on people are addressed before full rollout is completed.
"We have been heartened by Secretary of State Damian Green's willingness to engage, his department's work to pilot improvements, and the recent changes to the Universal Credit taper rate which mean people moving into work will keep more of their earnings.
"We hope our insights can inform efforts to make sure the values on which Universal Credit is built are delivered in practice. To stop UK hunger, we must make sure the welfare system really does work for everyone.''
A Department for Work and Pensions spokesman said: "The reasons for food bank use are complex, so it's misleading to link them to any one issue.
"Under Universal Credit people are moving into work faster and staying in work longer than under the old system.
"Universal Credit is designed to mirror the world of work and give people control over their own finances.
"The majority of UC claimants are confident in managing their money and we work closely with local authorities to support those who need extra help. Budgeting support, benefit advances, and direct rent payments to landlords are available to those who need them.''