More people are using foodbanks in Flintshire than anywhere else in north Wales

Foodbank usage in Flintshire remains the highest in north Wales – over 6,250 emergency food packages were handed out in the last financial year.

The figures, which have been released by anti-poverty charity Trussell Trust, also show that overall foodbank usage across Wales has increased from 85,656 emergency food supplies provided in 2015/16 financial year, to 95,190 in the same period between 2016/17.

Between 1st April 2016 and 31st March 2017, 1,182,954 three day emergency food supplies
were provided nationwide to people in crisis by Trussell Trust foodbanks.

A breakdown of Flintshire’s figures show that 3,589 three day emergency food supplies were provided to adults. A further 2,670 was provided to children locally.

Overall 2,259 emergency food supplies were handed out locally between 1st April 2016 and 31st March 2017.

Neighbouring county Wrexham has the second highest foodbank usage in north Wales, with over 4300 accessing emergency food supplies in the last financial year. In Wales Cardiff had the highest foodbank usage with 14,560.

David McAuley, Chief Executive of The Trussell Trust said:

The move to simplify an often complex welfare system is a welcome one but any large reform can have unforeseen consequences. Foodbanks see first-hand how changes to the welfare system affect people on the ground, and so can offer an early warning to decision-makers.

We are sharing our early observations with the Department for Work and Pensions to ensure any adverse side effects Universal Credit can have on people are addressed before full rollout is completed.

We have been heartened by Secretary of State Damian Green’s willingness to engage, his department’s work to pilot improvements, and the recent changes to the Universal Credit taper rate which mean people moving into work will keep more of their earnings.

We hope our insights can inform efforts to make sure the values on which Universal Credit is built are delivered in practice. To stop UK hunger we must make sure the welfare system really does work for everyone.