Rachael Maskell ‘concerned about changes to social security’

A spokesperson for the York Central MP said the foodbank network aim to turn the tide of hardship facing communities and propose how this could be addressed with the use of an “Essentials Guarantee”. 

Trussell and Joseph Rowntree Foundation research shows around five in six low-income households receiving Universal Credit are going without essentials such as food and paying household bills.

They said that an “Essentials Guarantee” policy would ensure everyone has a protected minimum amount of support in Universal Credit to afford such items.

Following the meeting, Ms Maskell asked a question in the House of Commons about the continued rise in foodbank use and the risk of changes in social security that could place even greater demands on the voluntary and charitable sector to provide emergency support. 

The Press reported at the start of the year that the regional lead of Trussell Trust said foodbank usage across its seven sites in York had gone up by 120 per cent in five years.

Rachael Maskell MP said: “People are being left with no option but to use food banks and everyone’s circumstances can change.

“I’ve seen the incredible work of York’s foodbanks and know the impact they have on the people who need their support.

“But it doesn’t have to be this way – surely in the sixth wealthiest country in the world, we can guarantee that everyone can afford a home, the bills and food.

“I’m concerned about changes to social security and raised this with the Government in the House of Commons this week.

“We can and must do better, raising wages, capping rents and supporting those who need it the most.” 

Adam Raffell, York Foodbank manager, said: “Trussell foodbanks across the country distributed 2.9 million food packages last year.

“Here in York, referrals for emergency food have doubled compared with pre-2020 and remain unsustainably high. 

“The Essentials Guarantee is a call to address this by having Universal Credit levels set independently, with reference to the cost of essential living.

“We are immensely grateful to all those who generously support Foodbanks in York.

“At the same time, it’s not right that so many are being forced to turn to foodbanks, and we believe a social safety net which successfully protects people from hunger and hardship is ultimately achievable.”

David Rowsell, chair of The Collective Sharehouse said: “It was a very real privilege for us to take the voices of our clients, volunteers and partners to a place where policy can be influenced.

“Anyone connected to us is acutely aware of the need to build community capacity and end foodbank use, while continuing to support each other to grow and thrive.

“Our government has a unique opportunity to support this endeavour, and the Essentials Guarantee movement is a great vehicle to drive this vital change.”