Source · Select Committees · Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee
Recommendation 8
8
Paragraph: 47
Use of food banks was increasing before the pandemic and has effectively doubled during the...
Conclusion
Use of food banks was increasing before the pandemic and has effectively doubled during the pandemic. It is likely that the situation will get worse before it gets better. Food bank use is normally a symptom of, amongst other things, a lack of sufficient income and social support, rather than a food supply issue and we note the June 2020 report of the Work and Pensions Committee, which addresses these matters and calls for flexibility in Universal Credit advance payments.
Paragraph Reference:
47
Government Response
Not Addressed
HM Government
Not Addressed
Throughout the pandemic government has worked closely with the third sector, including food bank providers to address the impact on vulnerable people. We have provided £16 million in funding to help get food to charities that are feeding vulnerable people affected by COVID-19. We have also strengthened the welfare safety net for those affected by COVID-19 and will provide over £6.5bn of additional support until the end of the year. These measures include increasing Universal Credit and Working Tax Credit by up to £1,040 for this financial year, benefiting over 4 million of the most vulnerable households, and increasing Local Housing Allowance rates, putting an average of £600 into people’s pockets this year [1 million households will benefit]. Total welfare spending in 2019/20 was over £227bn, including over £103bn on working age welfare benefits for those that need them