Foodbank volunteer blames Universal Credit for surge in referrals
A foodbank volunteer has criticised the Universal Credit system after the facility he works at helped a record number of people this week.
Bridgnorth Foodbank supplied 33 clients this week, including four couples, 14 individuals and nine families - the most in its five-year history.
Fundraising co-ordinator Phil Webster believes the benefits system is largely to blame for the extra people needing help.
He said: "It's a sign of Universal Credit I'm afraid. That's what's causing the problem. This is reflective of lots of the comments you see in the news. There are some winners and some losers from the system, but unfortunately more losers.
"You find you have families where both parents are in work but they are still struggling to pay bills, rent and mortgages. The foodbank is an option for them which helps them keep back a bit of money.
"The problem is only going to get worse. People use to have to wait six weeks for their money with Universal Credit. It's been reduced to three weeks, but still, can you imagine going three weeks with no money?
"Thank goodness we did start the foodbank five years ago. Who would have thought Bridgnorth would have needed one?
"Thank god people had the foresight to see perhaps what was going to happen. We've been able to help fill a hole in people's finances."
The charity is asking for donations of size six nappies, toilet rolls, tinned meat meals, small jars of coffee, laundry liquid, washing up liquid, squash and long life milk. They would also benefit from any spare 10p carrier bags.
