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.
Food Poverty: Championning people-powered projects that tackle the root causes of food poverty.
