Next phase of Universal Credit rollout could make food bank use soar, charity warns
The Trussell Trust said it was 'really worried' about how the next stage of the system's rollout could affect people
A volunteer at Wandsworth foodbank prepares food parcels. (Photo: Leon Neal/Getty)
By Florence Snead
Assistant breaking news editor
October 5, 2018 11:32 am(Updated October 9, 2020 7:41 pm)
Government plans to move more people on to the Universal Credit system could lead to a "significant increase" in the use of food banks, a charity has warned.
The Trussell Trust said its analysis of frontline data showed that benefit transitions – including those switching to Universal Credit – had driven up food bank referrals between April 2016 and April 2018.
It said food banks in areas where Universal Credit has been fully rolled out for a year or more showed an average increase in use of 52 per cent in that year following the switch.
'We are really worried'
Food banks in areas that don't yet have full Universal Credit rollout – or have only been in full rollout areas for up to three months – showed a smaller average increase of 13 per cent, it added.
The charity – which coordinates a network of more than 400 food banks – said it wanted the Government to move people on to Universal Credit automatically.
It said doing this, rather than leaving people to make their own claim, would ensure there was no gap between old and new benefits payments.
The Trussell Trust said it was worried about the potential impact of the latest phase of the Universal Credit rollout. (Photo: Jonathan Brady/PA)
The Trussell Trust's chief executive, Emma Revie, said: "As we look at the current plans for the next stage of Universal Credit, we're really worried that our network of food banks 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."
Ms Revie called on the Government to learn from previous problems encountered with people moving over to the new system.
She added: "Now is the time for our Government to take responsibility for moving people currently on the old system over, and to ensure no one faces a gap in payments when that moves happens.
"Universal Credit needs to be ready for anyone who might need its help, and it needs to be ready before the next stage begins."
Previous concerns
The warning comes just weeks after the organisation joined a coalition of businesses, unions and other charities to raise concern about the potential impact of Universal Credit on the self-employed.
Universal Credit was designed to replace six benefits for working-age people, merging them into one payment: income support; income-based jobseeker's allowance; income-related employment and support allowance; housing benefit; child tax credit; and working tax credit.
However, the system has proved controversial since it was first introduced. Problems have ranged from delays in its roll out to allegations that it has played a role in the deaths of some claimants.
The Department for Work and Pensions said Universal Credit simplified an "out of date" and "complex" legacy system.
The DWP said it would focus on ensuring a 'smooth transition' for those moving on to the new system. (Photo: Matt Cardy/Getty)
A spokesman said: "We are working closely with charities, businesses and other stakeholders to design the best possible process for the migration of people onto Universal Credit.
"We have just announced a £39m partnership with Citizens Advice to deliver Universal Support for claimants to make and manage their claim – something the Trussell Trust have welcomed.
"We will deliver managed migration in a way that helps claimants move to Universal Credit smoothly. During 2019 we will test and refine our processes to ensure they are working well before we take on larger volumes from 2020 onwards.
"We will communicate with claimants to ensure they are prepared, through a variety of approaches, including through the post, the media and telephone calls. Our focus will be on safeguarding people and ensuring a smooth transition without any interruption to the support provided."