Salford Foodbank has received desperate messages for help from residents who are being affected by the recent roll out of Universal Credit.
Universal Credit, a reform to the benefits system which replaces ‘legacy’ benefits such as Jobseeker’s Allowance, has been introduced in stages across the country and is now being put into place for claimants in Salford.
Salford Foodbank shared an email on their social media pages, from a working mother of four children needing emergency help for food.
This morning we received this email. We also had a phone call from a school family liaison officer who has helped 3 families this week that have been put on Universal Credit. pic.twitter.com/mgrheJGVZ6
— Salford Foodbank (@SalfordFoodbank) October 10, 2018
Emma Revie, Chief Executive of Trussell Trust, who co-ordinate foodbanks in the UK such as ones in Salford, has said in a press release:
“As we look at the current plans for the next stage of Universal Credit, we’re really worried that our network of foodbanks could see a big increase in people needing help.
“Leaving three million people to wait at least five weeks for a first payment – especially when we have already decided they need support through our old benefits or tax credits system – is just not good enough.”
Recent reports have shown that millions of claimants will lose £52 a week under Universal Credit, seeing more and more people relying on the use of foodbanks.
Former Prime Ministers Gordon Brown and John Major have warned that the reform could lead to a “poll tax-style chaos”, which led to riots and the resignation of then Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher.
If you need any help from Salford Foodbank, or would like to donate or volunteer, please visit https://salford.foodbank.org.uk/ for more info.
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