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The Trussell Trust: make Budget 2016 an anti-poverty budget

18th March 2016

The Trussell Trust: make Budget 2016 an anti-poverty budget

David McAuley, Chief Executive of the Trussell Trust said:

“As the chancellor sets the budget for the nation we understand that there are always difficult decisions to take. In tough economic times people in poverty often suffer the most. We’re pleased the Government has taken the important step of raising the wages of lower paid workers in this and last year’s budget. The National Living Wage, plans to help low income savers and a minimum wage rise for 21-24 years olds are good initiatives which we welcome, but the budget could do more to help other groups, particularly those who are unable for whatever reason to move back into work.

“Help for people on low pay is welcome but the Trussell Trust has real concerns that others are being left with even less on which to get by financially. To be compassionate the budget needs to work for everyone, not just those in employment, but the carer, the person with a lifelong disability, the young person facing insecure work and debt problems, or the single mum with three children to feed through the school holidays.

“Helping those who can work into employment is an excellent route out of poverty, but there are many other areas that would also benefit from attention. For those moving to Universal Credit, or unable to work due to a disability or mental health issues, there are big questions as to whether they will be able to make ends meet given the gaps in the social safety net. Foodbanks are reporting rises in people referred due to up to seven weeks delay in their Universal Credit payments and we still see too many examples of people unable to afford to eat due to a benefit sanction. Local Councils are also trying to do more with less money, with fewer providing emergency loans and fuel payments. Making sure our social safety net keeps working would help stop some needing foodbanks and ensure foodbanks can focus more on additional support that prevents poverty long term.

“The Trussell Trust and the foodbank network will continue to rise to the challenge. Across the UK we are already doing more than ever before to help. Many thousands are being helped by projects linked to foodbanks spanning debt, cooking, budgeting, housing and welfare advice and much more alongside half a million emergency food parcels given out between April – September 2015. We hope the Government will work with us to tackle all causes of poverty, not just those relating to work.”

 

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