‘Our social security system should support people who need it, not drive them further into poverty’

• THE government’s work and pensions secretary, Amber Rudd, has finally admitted what those of us on the frontline already knew – that the increase in foodbank use can be linked to the roll-out of universal credit.

Under the Tories, the number of food parcels being claimed each year has soared from 61,000 in 2010 to £1.3 million last year, according to foodbank charity The Trussell Trust.

In Islington, the roll-out of universal credit will eventually see 22,000 households affected. It is estimated that almost 10,000 households in the borough will be worse off under universal credit, with the average affected household more than £500 a year worse off.

Last year, following the government’s utter failure to fix the problems caused by its shambolic implementation, Islington Council became one of the first in the country to call for universal credit to be completely scrapped.

As a councillor, I have seen the devastating impact this unfair policy is having on thousands of residents, with many forced to use foodbanks, unable to pay their rent and worried about their future.

Under Islington Labour’s leadership, the council is committed to supporting people affected by universal credit – offering advice to make sure they are receiving the full support they are entitled to and helping residents with heating and food costs.

Now that the Tory work and pensions secretary has finally acknowledged the impact this policy is having, I want to repeat our calls on the government to urgently scrap universal credit.

Our social security system should support people who need it, not drive them further into poverty and force them to rely on foodbanks.

CLLR TROY GALLAGHER
Labour, Bunhill