New research shows link between benefit cuts and foodbank use
University of Oxford researchers have published an analysis of historic Trussell Trust data and official JSA sanctions data.
The report presents statistical analysis which for the first time finds:
- There is a strong link between increased sanctioning and higher foodbank use
- That a quarterly increase in ten Jobseeker’s Allowance sanctions per 100,000 was associated with five more people visiting foodbanks
- Trussell Trust data is likely to underestimate the impact of sanctioning on foodbank use
- Declines in sanctioning rates also correspond with declines in foodbank referrals.
The findings provide further evidence in support of a genuine ‘yellow card’ warning system to stop people falling into crisis. The Government has trialled an early warning system trial in Scotland and there is potential to roll-out a non-financial yellow card warning system on national basis.
Information on Sustain’s own work on reducing food poverty can be found here.
Published Thursday 27 October 2016
Food Poverty: Millions of people in the UK struggle to get enough to eat. We’re working to change that through people-powered projects and campaigns that tackle the root causes of food poverty and ensure everyone has dignified access to healthy, affordable food.
