Trussell Trust says areas where Universal Credit has been fully rolled out like Newcastle see greatest demand for help
Foodbank use in areas like Newcastle where Universal Credit has been fully rolled out as soared by 30% compared to last year, it has been revealed.
The figures come from the Trussell Trust charity that runs them and is also concerned the situation will get even worse leading up to Christmas when demand for food traditionally spikes.
In the North East as whole from April to September this year, 27,151 parcels of emergency three day supplies were handed out.
This added to a national figure of 586,907 - 208,956 to children - represented a 13% increase in all areas including those which haven't seen Universal Credit rolled out there yet.
The Trussel Trust is on course to hand out a record number of food parcels this year and as a result has unveiled a five point plan for decision-makers to stop people going hungry this Christmas.
Mark Ward, Interim Chief Executive at The Trussell Trust, said: "We're seeing soaring demand at foodbanks across the UK. Our network is working hard to stop people going hungry but the simple truth is that even with the enormoous generosity of our donors and volunteers, we're concerned foodbanks could struggle to meet demand this winter if critical changes to benefit delivery aren't made now."
It's five point calls for the six week wait for the first UC payment to be cut; better availability of advance loans which are affordable; tackle poor administration; legacy benefits should continue until UC starts; re-think the current four year benefits level freeze.
Mr Ward said: "People cannot be left for weeks without any income, and when that incoome does come, it must keep pace with living costs - foodbanks cannot be relied upon to pick up the pieces."
He added: "Our five point plan isn't going to fix everything - but these emergency measures would help mitigate some of the damage we're worried will otherwise take place. Without urgent action from policy-makers and even more generous practical support from the public, we don't know how foodbanks are going to stop families and children going hungry this Christmas."
Trussell Trust data reveals that issues with a benefit payment account for 43% of referrals to foodbanks. Of these, 45% of referrals were made due to a wait for a first UC payment. Also, 36% of referrals were because a new claim had not yet been awarded which was also related to Universal Credit.
A DWP spoeksperson said: "The reasons for food abnk use are wide and complex, and for this report to link it to any one issue would be misleading.
"We're clear that advance payments are widely available from the start of anyone's UC claim, and urgent cases are fast-tracked so no one should be without funds.
"We know the majority of UC claimants are confident in managing their money. Budgeting support and direct rent payments to landlords are also available to those who need them."