Blackpool South MP warns delays mean more foodbank use

The latest figures show in Lancashire between April 2017 and March 2018, 21,208 three day emergency food supplies were given to people facing crisis by the Trussell Trust Foodbank Network, 8,014 of which were for children.

Emma Revie, chief executive of The Trussell Trust, said the findings demonstrated why it was vital Universal Credit is delivered properly.

Mr Marsden said delays in administering Universal Credit were causing hardship to some people in Blackpool.

He said: “We are seeing lots of examples of problems with payments in my constituency office, in particular in relation to the housing element of Universal Credit.

“Previously, people eligible for housing benefit would be taken care of by Blackpool Council relatively rapidly.

“Now it is part of Universal Credit, it is dealt with by a unit not even based in Blackpool.

“That is a concern if it affects the cash flow of people receiving it.

“And it is these delays which are contributing to more people having to use foodbanks.

“I would definitely support the calls for an urgent investigation and it is something I will be pressing the government on.”

Ms Evie said: “As a nation we expect no-one should be left hungry or destitute. Illness, disability, family breakdown or the loss of a job could happen to any of us, and we owe it to each other to make sure sufficient financial support is in place.”