‘Benefit changes force more to use foodbanks’

The number of people using foodbanks could soar because of a change in the benefit system, according to Michael Meacher, MP for Oldham West and Royton.

Claimants currently wait two weeks for benefits if they lose their job, but as part of Universal Credit, the newly-unemployed will wait five weeks before being paid in arrears.

The MP also fears that people will turn to pay-day lenders as the only source of immediate help.

Mr Meacher said nobody planned to lose their job or be ill and the latest move is another hole in welfare.

He said: “This latest welfare reform is deeply unpopular, with almost four to one opposed. That may explain why the Government is trying to keep plans secret, since only one in eight says they have heard anything about it.

“The impact will be devastating on families. Anyone losing their job will get no help to cover rent, mortgage, food or bills. The wait will apply to anyone making a new claim, however long they have held their job or however much national insurance they have paid. The national insurance system is being eaten away.

“Most will not get emergency advanced payments, forcing people to use foodbanks or pay-day lenders.”

Oldham Foodbank confirmed it was seeing a lot of people coming in for help that cite long waits for benefits as a reason for their need of the service.

Lisa Leunig, a volunteer at the Clegg Street facility, said: “We are seeing an increase in people blaming sanctions and long waits for payments.

“People are left with difficult choices between electricity and other utility bills or eating. A lot of people are choosing to come to us for food.”
To read the full version of this story see the Chronicle’s E-chron digital edition or buy the newspaper.