Food banks see 'shocking' rise in number of users

[T_i_B]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-27032642

A food bank charity says it has handed out 913,000 food parcels in the last year, up from 347,000 the year before.

The Trussell Trust said a third were given to repeat visitors but that there was a "shocking" 51% rise in clients to established food banks. It said benefit payment delays were the main cause. In a letter to ministers, more than 500 clergy say the increase is "terrible".

The government said there was no evidence of a link between welfare reforms and the use of food banks. However, the Trussell Trust, the largest food bank provider in the UK, said benefits payments had been a particular problem since welfare changes were introduced just over a year ago.

Some 83% of food banks reported that benefits sanctions - when payments are temporarily stopped - had resulted in more people being referred for emergency food and more than 30% of visits were put down to a delay in welfare payments.

[LeftishBrit]

1. Very sad and disgusting

'The government said there was no evidence of a link between welfare reforms and the use of food banks'

And I see no evidence of a link between this government and lying one's head off. Well, except when their lips are moving.

[Prophet 451]

3. This government makes me want a new Guy Fawkes

Evil bastards have cut benefits for the poorest by, effectively, several hundred pounds a year.

[Prophet 451]

2. Blame teh fucking Tories

Whipping the least fortunate is what Tories do, it's who they are.