Mind responds to Trussell Trust report
New figures from the Trussell Trust show that the number of emergency food parcels their network has given to people in the past year has increased by 19% increase on the previous year. With around half of people resorting to foodbanks because of Universal Credit (UC) delays.
Responding to the data, Ayaz Manji, Senior Policy and Campaigns Officer at Mind says:
“It’s appalling to see the huge increase in people depending on food parcels because they can’t afford to pay for essentials themselves. Every year 300,000 people fall out of work as a result of a mental health problem and many will need support from the benefits system to help stay afloat. Our social security system should be helping people live independently and keeping people out of poverty.
“The Government must involve others including charities and people who need financial support to improve our benefits system, making sure it works for everyone who needs financial security, including those of us experiencing mental health problems.
“We urgently need to see the Government fix the problems with Universal Credit. That includes making sure that no-one is left without income while waiting for their first payment, or when they move from other benefits onto Universal Credit.”
