Renfrewshire Tackling Poverty Commission has heard that between half and two thirds of people using foodbanks find themselves in crisis directly linked to benefits system “problems”.
The UK-wide research – part of a report into foodbank use by three leading charities and the Church of England – was presented to the last meeting of the Commission by Roslyn McVeigh, Renfrewshire Foodbank Manager, and was supported by the latest local foodbank stats.
Roslyn, also a member of the Commission, said: “Many people use foodbanks as an absolute last resort when they find themselves in immediate financial crisis. They feel embarrassed to be there.
“Sudden loss of income or a change in circumstance like bereavement or homelessness can cause crisis for a family. However between half and two thirds included in this research said their crisis was linked to the operation of the benefits system with problems including waiting for payments, sanctions, or a reduction in disability benefits or tax credits.
“And many participants in the study were unaware of the emergency entitlements available to them. Very few who were eligible to these entitlements, actually received them.”
The Commission also heard of the major rise in the cost of living over the last 10 years and discussed the higher charges often faced by those on low incomes – known as the ‘poverty premium’. This includes higher utility tariffs, insurance, less access to online discounts, and high interest credit.
Councillor Mike Holmes, Chair of the Commission, said: “We recently gathered evidence on ways people are coping with the rising cost of living and the issues that surround this.
“The Government’s benefits system is supposed to offer a safety net to those who need it, and yet we’ve been given stark findings that reveal it’s actually doing the opposite.
“We simply cannot continue down this path of families being sent into complete crisis by a harsh sanctions regime that cuts their benefits and leaves them with nothing. The recent foodbank data is clear – people are not being properly supported by the welfare system.
“I look forward to all of these findings being taken forward to shape the Tackling Poverty Commission’s recommendations.”
Alison Dowling of Renfrewshire Wide Credit Union also attended to give the Commission information on Credit Unions and their role as a source of affordable credit and financial support within the community.
The Commission is about to move to its recommendation-setting phase.