Debbie Abrahams response to "shocking" rise in foodbank use in areas where Universal Credit has been fully rolled out

Debbie Abrahams MP, Labour’s Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary, commenting on the Trussell Trust report on foodbank use, said:

“The shocking 30 per cent increase in foodbank use in areas where Universal Credit has been fully rolled out is further evidence of the desperate need for a pause to the programme while it is fixed.

“As well as foodbank use, the six week wait for support and cuts to the programme are also driving debt, arrears and even evictions.

“The social security system is supposed to prevent people from going hungry and getting into debt, not make these problems worse.

“Labour is calling on the Government to pause the roll out of Universal Credit and fix the programme before millions are made worse off.”