Removal of Universal Credit Uplift Food Bank Usage
2021-09-13
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Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
Since 2010, there has been a significant increase in people relying on food banks. The removal of the £20 uplift to universal credit is expected to further exacerbate this issue.
What steps her Department plans to take to measure the potential effect of the removal of the £20 uplift to the standard allowance of universal credit from 6 October 2021 on levels of food bank usage. Since 2010, there has been an explosion in the number of people unable to put food on the table. Conservatives admit this will result in another dramatic rise in food bank demand. The Trussell Trust predicts that 900,000 more people will need support. Will the Minister or the Secretary of State meet organisations working on this issue to ensure capacity to meet Government-driven demand?
Food banks are independent charitable organisations and the Department does not have any role in their operation. There is no consistent measure of food bank usage at a constituency or national level. Of course, I am always happy to meet the hon. Gentleman.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not address how the Department plans to measure the impact on food bank usage
Food Banks Are Independent Charitable Organisations And The Department Does Not Have Any Role In Their Operation.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Since 2010, there has been a significant increase in people relying on food banks. The removal of the £20 uplift to universal credit is expected to further exacerbate this issue.
The hon. Member for Hertford and Stortford (Julie Marson) admitted that reducing universal credit by £20 a week would lead to another dramatic rise in food bank demand. The Trussell Trust predicts 900,000 more people will need support. Will the Minister or Secretary of State meet organisations working on this issue to ensure capacity?
Of course, I am always happy to meet the hon. Gentleman as I have always sought to do. The vaccine roll-out is a huge success, restrictions are lifted, and we have a record number of vacancies in our labour market. Universal credit provides a safety net but it is not designed to trap people on welfare.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not address the specific meeting request or impact assessment
The Vaccine Roll-Out Is A Huge Success, Restrictions Are Lifted, And We Have A Record Number Of Vacancies In Our Labour Market.
Response accuracy