Rise in foodbank use a result of Government’s “callous agenda of austerity” – Fiona Twycross AM
Reliance on foodbanks in Croydon has risen over the last year, analysis of data obtained from the Trussell Trust shows. The number of three-day emergency food parcels distributed in Croydon rose by 46%. Londonwide Assembly Member, Fiona Twycross AM, said dependence on foodbanks was the result of the Government’s “callous agenda of austerity” and its “sheer disregard” for vulnerable people in Croydon.
Data from the Trussell Trust shows that between April 2017 and March 2018, the charity distributed 4,119 three-day emergency food parcels in Croydon.
1,402 of these were provided specifically for children.
Across London, 134,244 parcels were given out over the same period, marking a 21% increase on the previous year. Last month, the Mayor launched his draft London Food Strategy and pledged to work closely with local authorities to prevent Londoners from being swept into food poverty.
The Trussell Trust have cited the top four drivers behind foodbank usage as ‘low income- benefits, not earning’, ‘benefit delay’, ‘benefit change’ and ‘debt’. Other reasons include homelessness, ill-health and domestic abuse.
A Trussell Trust report has identified the roll out of Universal Credit as a key factor in the increased reliance on foodbanks, honing in on the experience of claimants who have been left to struggle when waiting several weeks for their first payment. This analysis was backed up by a new Joseph Rowntree Foundation report which cited the roll out as a significant contributor to destitution.
Universal Credit has been rolled out in Croydon since November 2015.
Londonwide Assembly Member, Fiona Twycross AM said:
“We live in one of the world’s wealthiest countries with a welfare state that is supposed to protect people from destitution. It is shameful that an increasing number of people are forced to rely on foodbanks.
“This rise in foodbank use is a direct result of the Government’s callous agenda of austerity and its sheer disregard for vulnerable people in Croydon.
“Worryingly, growing inequality and poverty is seeing independent foodbanks popping up across the capital to meet increasing demand.
“The Government should waste no time in doing all that it can to reverse this crisis blighting local families.”
ENDS
Notes to editors
- The number of three-day emergency food parcels distributed by the Trussell Trust in Croydon rose by 46%. Please find a table of the latest data as an attached document;
-The latest data analysis of stats obtained from the Trussell Trust shows that between 1st April 2017 and 31st March 2018, the charity distributed 4,119 three-day emergency food parcels in Croydon;
-1,402 of these were provided specifically for children;
- In London as a whole, 134,244 parcels were given out in this period, marking a 21% increase on the previous year;
- The Mayor of London’s draft London Food Strategy can be read here, and the consultation is open until 5th July 2018;
- The Trussell Trust have cited the top four drivers behind foodbank usage as ‘low income- benefits, not earning’, ‘benefit delay’, ‘benefit change’ and ‘debt’. Other reasons include homelessness, ill-health and domestic abuse;
-The Trussell Trust report linking foodbank usage to Universal Credit can be read here;
-The Joseph Rowntree Foundation report linking destitution to Universal Credit can be found here;
-A map of independent foodbanks in London can be found on the Independent Food Aid Network here;
-Fiona Twycross AM is a Londonwide Assembly Member.