A new report by the Trussell Trust today shows that foodbank use is highest in areas where there are the greatest numbers of people who are unable to work because of long-term illness or disability.{jcomments on}
The University of Hull has helped the Trussell Trust to map use of foodbanks against census data. The result has shown an increasing correlation between foodbank use and benefits issues.
Data shows that benefits delays and changes cause 42% of all referrals.. As well as PIP, ESA and JSA issues, delays and arrears in universal credit payments are now causing problems as well.
As one data scientist explained:
“This chart shows the strong correlations emerging at an electoral ward level between foodbank use and the percentage of the population with long term health problems or disabilities or in skilled, manual work.”
