Benefit claimants who could face a real-terms cut to the financial support they receive have told Sky News that it could leave them homeless.
It has been reported that ministers are drawing up plans to save £5bn by increasing Universal Credit in line with earnings rather than inflation, which would see claimants receiving less.
“If they give me less I’ll be homeless as it’s going to be a choice of feed the kids or pay the rent,” said mum-of-seven Zoe Bridges.
The 29-year-old from Derby is already struggling to make ends meet and was visiting the city’s Hope Centre food bank for the first time.
“It’s a bit of a nightmare, I’ve come for essentials like bread and treats for the kids… the government just keep cutting everything. It is what it is,” she said.
Zoe’s mother-in-law, Patricia Price, 59, also receives Universal Credit after she had to leave her job in the care sector due to a back injury.
“I can’t believe they’re looking at cutting it again because I don’t know how anybody is going to live,” she said.
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Like many food banks, the Hope Centre is suffering from a drop in donations due to the cost of living crisis and Denise Hawley, who runs it, is worried about what impact further benefit curbs could have.
“We’re really busy,” she said.
“We’re probably feeding over 100 people a week and we’re only open four and half hours a week, it’s incredible. And we’re short of everything, food that’s tinned, packets, anything we can give out.
“Obviously the crisis is effecting everyone, including the people that give and we’re really conscious of that so we are grateful for every single tin.”
Ben Crowe, 30, started receiving Universal Credit after he was made redundant from his warehouse job. He’s been using the food bank for the last few months.
“Basic essentials like milk, it was 99p, now you’re lucky to get a four-pinter for £1.50. The price of essentials is going through the roof.
“If they cut any more I don’t know what I’d do, some people would have to revert to stealing,” he said.
“I’m thankful for places like this food bank. Without them I’d go hungry and I dread to think what I’d have to do to get by.”
