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Portsmouth MP slams Government complacency after yet another rise in foodbank use

By 19 November 2018September 8th, 2022No Comments

Between 1st April and 30th September in Portsmouth South, 3100 three-day emergency food supplies were given to local people in crisis, with 1087 going to children.

Across the UK, foodbanks in The Trussell Trust network distributed 658,048 three day emergency food supplies to help people in crisis, a rise of 13% for the same period last year. Of these, 232,761 went to children. This is a measure of volume rather than unique users, and on average people needed 1.7 foodbank referrals in a six month period.

The Trussell Trust is calling for the reduction in the 5 week minimum wait for the first UC payment, to prevent even more people being forced to foodbanks this winter.

Stephen Morgan MP, said:

“These latest statistics shouldn’t shock the Government, but they should shame it. Our city has been at the brunt of cuts and complacency and the effects are devastating for local families.

Real wages are still lower than in 2010 meaning in-work poverty is rife. I’m concerned that this will only become worse with the failed introduction of Universal Credit.

The Government continues to fail working families. It’s simply not right that after a long week at work, Portsmouth’s mothers and fathers, those employed in our NHS, should have to visit a food bank to put food on the table.”