Patricia's Story

"Single person has been in a 3 bedroom house for 19 years. Would like to swap but has £1000 rent arrears so can't go on the list. Pays £60 out of benefits (ESA) every two weeks. No clear way out of this. Also had bailiff charges for council tax arrears. If client was allowed to swap, the rent would be less and she could pay off arrears."

Thank you so much to Patricia for sharing her story with us.

Mary's Story

"My internet provider was TalkTalk and I had to change my passcode after it was hacked. I am receiving Income Support and Child Tax Credit and when I telephoned to inform the Benefits Agency they told me that I had notified them too late and that my benefits would be late and that this would cause an overpayment which will have to be repaid."

Thank you for sharing this with us Mary.

Alun's Story

"Looking for a job and I am on Universal Credit but I have had no money for five weeks"

Thanks to Alun for sharing this with us.

Gemma's Story

"On the 5th October I was notified that my Child Tax Credits would stop. I would usually get £52 per week on a Monday which I would use to buy groceries and pay bills. I am an unemployed single parent of a 4 and a half year old child so I rely on this money and live week to week. HMRC claim I did not renew my tax credit claim on time, which I dispute and therefore making a 'late renewal' means I now have to wait at least two weeks for any payments. I have all correspondence from HMRC which confirms that I did everything I should within the time limits."

Thank you so much to Gemma for sharing her circumstances with us.

Gareth's Story - Not "Fit For Work"

"Client has lived rough for 9 months without benefit - did do some work. His GP signed him as unfit to work after 2nd stroke but has been assessed as 'fit to work'. Has appealed (filled in 52 sheets and took 2hrs with help!) Hasn't had any money since mid-December but has come here for the first time today as feels can't continue to ask friends for support."

Thank you to Gareth for sharing this with us and to the volunteer who recorded his story.

Jacob's Story

"Because my employer has not paid me for the last two months I quit. And as I am 250+ miles from family I have nobody to turn to for help. I am ever so grateful for the help I'm being given today. Many thanks."

Thank you so much to Jacob for sharig this with us.

Harry's Story

"End of 2014, borrowed £200 from someone. Paid some back but, no receipts, then they want more next time. He said others were threatening him (loan shark) so must get money. Went to his mothers and threatened to take house to pieces and torch car. Nearly at an end. He has paid several thousand pounds. Will contact illegal money lending team after I give him the info."

Thank you so much to Harry for sharing his experience with us and to the volunteer who listened.

Sean's Story: "No food except for friends sharing with me yesterday"

"On a zero hours contract and getting hardly any work. Getting into debt as a result. Having to wait 10 days more for benefits. Debt counselling from CAB who found I had no benefits and issued a voucher. No food except for friends sharing with me yesterday."

Thanks to everyone who shares why they need emergency food from us.

A meeting of minds...

This week, our Chair of Trustees, Rev. Christine Jones attended an event where we had the opportunity to reflect on what we need to do to tackle poverty. Below is a summary of that reflection.

"I was drawn to become involved with Foodbank because I have a professional background in food education and care about the life-giving, community-building capacity associated with the growing, cooking and preparing of fresh foods. But over the last three years I have spent with Foodbank, through my conversations with those involved, I have become increasingly concerned about issues relating to the crisis model we operate:

- the stigma associated with a red voucher

- requiring that people in crisis situations go from ‘pillar to post’ to receive food

- the vulnerability of volunteers listening to stories of hardship

- the lack of alternative options for people with complex and enduring needs

- the loss, across our society, of the skills and understanding needed to create a meal from the foods in the crisis bag, as well as the need for cooking equipment

- and the way that charitable models often keep people in crisis in a subservient role.

Over 3 years, West Cheshire Foodbank has provided enough food for 14,000 people to eat properly for three days. But for me, there is an enduring sense of a waste of human life that so many people have little option but to rely on charity to meet their needs. It is these concerns that shape my reflection regarding ‘ What we need to do to tackle poverty’.

I believe the starting place is important. There is a real need to listen to people living in poverty as a priority. ‘Anything about us, without us is not for us’  is the strap line for a model of listening which has been pioneered by the ‘Poverty Truth Commission’ in Glasgow. The approach of the PTC is to share stories in ways which build trust and embrace people struggling in poverty working alongside key decision-makers. This is the starting place for shaping response to actual need. In seeking to tackle poverty, I would endeavor to establish inclusive, trusting relationships where people and organisations are encouraged to work collaboratively in their local communities. Many urban high streets have lived with decline in recent years. Central to those communities are empty shops which stand as places where new life could be generated through the sharing of common tasks. I believe it is essential to take grass-roots approaches to community building which embrace a wider participation. In really listening to the experts who live with poverty, resource could then be re-directed and support provided within communities where neighbours will work together.

West Cheshire Foodbank is endeavoring to involve people struggling with poverty with every aspect of the operation and to learn from this expertise. In seeking an exit strategy, WCFB will be working with Edge Hill University to build the capacity of volunteers and explore whether new sustainable initiatives can be established around cooking, growing and be-friending. We also hope to explore the value of replacing the warehouse and associated costs through establishing local community shops. At a local government level, we will also continue to support Cheshire West and Chester Council who have agreed to establish a Poverty Truth Commission in West Cheshire. In and throughout any development, and working collaboratively with partner organisations, our firm commitment is to develop relationships which genuinely empower people living in poverty."

A "Meeting of Minds" was coordinated by the Institution for Public Policy and Professional Practice at Edge Hill University, The Centre for Local Economic Strategy and the Webb Memorial Trust. If you have any comments specifically relating to what we have shared above please email Alec Spencer: devofficer@westcheshire.foodbank.org.uk. For general inquiries please email info@westcheshire.foodbank.org.uk or call 0151 355 7730.

Foodbank Upgrades Van Thanks to Community Donations

Luisa, Chris and Ali celebrate the result of the hard work of staff at Lloyd's Banking Group.

Generous donations from across the community, - including from Lloyds Banking Group, Essar Oil UK, Plus Dane Housing, Mecca Bingo, TWP Solutions and local councillors as well as many private donations - mean that West Cheshire Foodbank has been able to replace the existing vehicle with one that is safer and more efficient.

Martin Dick, Trustee at West Cheshire Foodbank said “The response from our local community has been massive. We keep getting overwhelmed by just how generous everyone has been. Enough money has now been donated to allow us not only to replace our van but to cover our vehicle running costs for a whole year. We're also really thankful to Offleys for supporting us by heavily discounting our breakdown cover and insurance."

He continued “The design of this van will make lifting and moving stock much easier and safer for our volunteers and the larger size will help us to be more efficient too.”

Alec Spencer, Development Officer at West Cheshire Foodbank said “On behalf of everyone at West Cheshire Foodbank, I’d like to say a heartfelt ‘Thank You!’ to everyone who has worked so hard to raise the money we needed for this van. It will make a big difference to our small charity.”

The team at Lloyd's Banking Group celebrate the result of their hard work.

Mecca Bingo celebrate the result of their hard work.

The operations group at Foodbank celebrate the result of their hard work.

New Centre Opens in Lache

In partnership with Lache Community Development Trust, West Cheshire Foodbank is pleased to announce that the charity will be open at Hawthorn House in Lache every Friday between 12am and 2pm from the 13th November onwards.

​

Emma Greenwood, Operations Co-ordinator at West Cheshire Foodbank said:

"Every month, hundreds of local people visit our Foodbank to feed themselves and their families. We hope that this new centre will make it easier for people to exchange their voucher for food during what is often a very difficult and stressful time. 

We'd like to say a huge thank you to all the people we've been working with in Lache who have helped us to reach this stage and who have been so supportive and patient as we learn how best to meet the needs of our friends and neighbours together."

Petra Greener, Administration Co-ordinator at West Cheshire Foodbank added:

“We all occasionally need help and I’d encourage anyone who is finding it difficult to afford food to visit one of the 50 organisations we work with that hold vouchers.

They’ll quickly understand your situation and may give you a voucher which you can exchange for 3 days of food for you and your family. In Lache, you can visit Lache and Handbridge Children's Centre, Lache Primary School or Sanctuary Housing Group (Lache Office).

Please do just get in touch with our team if you have any questions by calling 0151 355 7730, emailing info@westcheshire.foodbank.org.uk or tweeting us @WestCheshireFB.”

I've lost my job and my working tax credits...

"In hospital 4 times this year - 3 for operations and once with pneumonia & pleurisy. I have been working as a cleaner/ dinner lady/ barmaid. I have lost one of my jobs and the other doesn't pay if I can't work. Now lost my working tax credits because I am not working enough hours. I have persistent abcesses on groin and coccyx, long-term antibiotics and another operation to come."

Thanks to Susan for sharing this with us.

6 weeks to wait for payment is too long...

"Had been on Universal Credit but got a job for a couple of months. Reclaimed Universal Credit on 4th September but first payment will not be until 17th October. Hadn't realised he would lose his Housing Benefit. Now owes £900 rent to [landlord]. He has agreed to pay £500 out of first Universal Credit payment. 6 weeks wait for payment is too long."

Thanks to Harry for sharing his circumstances with us and to the volunteer who listened.

Getting through the next three years will be very difficult...

"My crisis has been caused by two things. 

First, I have a disability. I had to give up a full-time job approx. 6 years ago. However, I managed to find two part-time jobs later (30 hrs) which did not impact on my back injury. However, due to a deterioration I am now having to give up one of my jobs which causes me problems resulting in time off work. Therefore with my salary cut in half, I will not be able to meet my bills, food included.

Second. The government pension age has affected women in my age group. I am nearly 62 years of age and will now have to wait until I am nearly 65 to receive my pension. Getting through the next 3 years will be very difficult."

Our heartfelt thanks to Heather for sharing this with us.

James has been sanctioned for three months...

"James recently got sanctioned due to a double booked appointment that was made by DWP. James was told to go to [name removed] to look for work and also given an appointment to sign on at the Jobcentre, both at 9.30 on the [date removed] August 2015. James has now been sanctioned for 3 months due to no fault of his own and has had no choice but to come to Wesley Church Centre for help with food. His sanction should be over on November [date removed]. James suffers as a result of numerous medical conditions."

Thank you so much for sharing your experience with us James. And thank you to the volunteer who listened.

Foodbank Celebrates Living Wage Commitment

The Living Wage Foundation is pleased to announce that West Cheshire Foodbank, has this month, September 2015, been accredited as a Living Wage employer.

West Cheshire Foodbank has always met the criteria set by the Living Wage Foundation, which means that staff at the charity, regardless of whether they are permanent employees or third-party contractors and suppliers; receive a minimum hourly wage of £7.85 or above - significantly higher than the national minimum wage of £6.50.

Rev. Christine Jones, Chair of Trustees at West Cheshire Foodbank, a local charity that employs three part-time staff, said: “We’re delighted that we’re now an accredited UK Living Wage Employer. We know from our own experience and research that local families can go hungry when their incomes are low and insecure. We have always paid a living wage, but this independent, third-party accreditation demonstrates our ongoing commitment to look after our employees in the same way that we hope neighbouring churches, charities and businesses will, to ensure that no-one needs a foodbank because work doesn’t pay.”

The Living Wage is an hourly rate set independently and updated annually. The Living Wage is calculated according to the basic cost of living using the ‘Minimum Income Standard’ for the UK. Decisions about what to include in this standard are set by the public; it is a social consensus about what people need to make ends meet.

Employers choose to pay the Living Wage on a voluntary basis. The Living Wage enjoys cross party support, with public backing from the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition.

Living Wage Foundation Director, Rhys Moore said: “We are delighted to welcome West Cheshire Foodbank to the Living Wage movement as an accredited employer.

The best employers are voluntarily signing up to pay the Living Wage now. The Living Wage is a robust calculation that reflects the real cost of living, rewarding a hard day’s work with a fair day’s pay.

We have accredited over 1,700 leading employers, including West Cheshire Foodbank, ranging from independent printers, hairdressers and breweries, to well-known companies such as Nationwide, Aviva and SSE. These businesses recognise that clinging to the national minimum wage is not good for business. Customers expect better than that. "

Adrian's Story

"Has been unemployed for 5 months. On JSA. Paid £500 of his own money to go on a chainsaw licence course in Preston. - 2 days. Getting up at 4am. Wasn't eligible to look for work on these days so lost money for two weeks. JCP put him on a mandatory work placement - couldn't get money out of post office until 9am and so couldn't get to work for 7am leading to a sanction for 2 months. Payment will start again in August."

Thanks to Adrian for sharing this with us.

Overwhelmed by Support as Shoppers Donate 5084 kgs of Food

By Nancy Brian Mbaya.

This weekend, Trussell Trust Foodbanks across the UK worked in partnership with Tesco stores, asking members of the public to donate to help local people in crisis.

The National Food Collection is a bi-annual event  in which the Tesco stores located on Sealand Road and Frodsham Street in Chester participate.

Last year alone, Trussell Trust’s UK Foodbank Network provided support and three days’ emergency food to more than 1 million people, including almost 400,000 children. As well as receiving a parcel of nutritionally balanced, long-life food, foodbank clients and are signposted to services that can provide further, more long-term support.

Volunteers at West Cheshire Foodbank were really encouraged to speak with customers who were enthusiastic about the Food Collection and clearly understood that local people are struggling to put food on the table.We spoke to customers to see what they thought.

Mr and Mrs Fawcett said that with more people going through difficult times, the mere thought of children going without food because their parents cannot provide for them is abhorrent. They decided to donate to the Foodbank out of the little they get from their pension.

Mr Thomas also stated that people are going through difficult times at the moment and felt that there was therefore the need for people in the city to join hands in order to make a difference in the lives of the people who are struggling to feed themselves.

Three year old William was another donor who, prompted by his mother Kate, picked some cans of tinned food for the food collection. Kate said that donating towards Foodbank was really worthwhile and that she believed in teaching her children the importance of helping people who are in need.

Volunteers displayed great enthusiasm and joy as they distributed fliers and prompted shoppers to donate towards the food collection. Will and his wife Celia, who have been volunteering with the Foodbank since it opened in 2012 spoke of how this was an important thing to do in view of the increasing cuts to social services, especially with more children at the receiving end of it all. 

Judith described the food collection and the response of the people as highly generous and sacrificial adding that it was only by God’s grace that she wasn't in a situation where she was unable to afford food instead of one where she was able to contribute to support others. Wendy and her husband John revealed that volunteering for the charity is their own little way of giving back to the society.

Alec Spencer, Development Officer at West Cheshire Foodbank said “These collections have been a huge success and we have so many people to thank for that. We’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone who donated and to each person who gave their time as a volunteer. Special thanks go to the management and staff at Tesco for their impressive commitment to these collections, to the teams from Lloyds Bank and to Chris Matheson MP and all the local councilors who came along to support us. Last but not least, particular thanks go to our volunteer warehouse co-ordinators Pete Stelfox and Colin Jenkins for their tireless efforts and commitment to organize this whole event. We've now weighed in the food that people have given and can reveal that we collected 5084 kilograms of food which will make a big difference to local people.Thank you."

Chris Matheson MP taking part in a Trolley Dash!

Staff at Tesco were so helpful.

Food items you can donate include: milk (UHT or powdered), sugar, biscuits or snack bars, tinned meat, tinned fish, tinned vegetables, instant mashed potatoes, cooking sauces, tinned tomatoes, jam, fruit juice (Long life), tinned fruit, breakfast cereals, tinned rice pudding, tinned sponge pudding as well as funds. A list of public placesyou can donate is here.

Tanya's Story

"I am claiming Employment Support Allowance and put sick notes in and am waiting for payment. I didn't receive any money for 3 weeks, so rang them. They told me that the sick note was lost, so had to get another one. I put another sick note in. Again after 2 weeks I had still received no money so I rang them and was told my new sick note had been lost. I went into the Job Centre to make a statement, this also got misplaced.

Now finally after 5 weeks I hopefully should get paid, but it has been a struggle. I am lucky to have my family and to know about the Foodbank."

Thank you Tanya for sharing your story with West Cheshire Foodbank.   

Bill's Story

"I need help because I've had my benefit stopped. I didn't know about the Foodbank until a few days ago. When this had happened in the past I've turned towards crime. This time I didn't have to do that because of the help of the Foodbank.

Without this help today, I don't know how I'd get through the week. I can't thank you enough for the help and kindness that you have shown me."

Cheshire West Foodbank thank Bill for his story.

Volunteer Achievement Celebrated At Barbeque

By Nancy Brian Mbaya

The support provided by West Cheshire Foodbank for people in crisis in Chester, Ellesmere Port and Neston was consistently described as exemplary by the latest quality assurance report from The Trussell Trust.

This sentiment was shared by volunteers at the charity who attended a barbecue at the weekend to celebrate their achievements at the Foodbank warehouse, located near Cheshire Oaks. Volunteers commented that the charity, which was established in November 2012, clearly has a positive impact in the lives of the people who are struggling.

Speaking about the work of the charity, Glen Lomax, who has been a volunteer with the organization since it first opened, spoke of how his passion to help people who are without food motivated him to join two and a half years ago. Glen viewed the growth of the charity as an inevitable consequence of cuts to benefits and commended local churches, community organisations, companies and schools for their wonderful contributions to the organization.

Pat Nalder, who has volunteered as an administrator, voiced her anger that so many people living in Britain, one of the largest economies in the world, were hungry. Decrying the injustice that more people should need to use foodbanks to meet their needs, Pat explained how more families lived in “awful circumstances” because of cuts to social security payments and benefit sanctions, explaining that foodbanks were stepping in to the gap that this withdrawal of support left. 

Terry Green, who volunteers at a foodbank centre, stated that, apart from providing food to those who cannot afford to feed themselves, the charity has been able to support many people who visit by ‘signposting’ to other organisations which can provide additional support with, for example, finances, benefits and healthcare. Adrian Morris, who volunteers at the warehouse, noted that the success of the organisation was reliant on the skills of volunteers, many of whom are retired and bring an impressive depth of experience to the organisation.

The barbecue was a welcome opportunity for volunteers to spend time together, to share their experiences and to celebrate the results of the quality assurance report which highlighted the achievements of volunteers.

Spending time together

Volunteers also took the opportunity to extend their thanks and present gifts to Steve Sparrow, formerly the Operations Co-ordinator at the charity, who is moving on to a new role in a Manchester-based charity working with refugees, and to welcome Petra Greener, who will soon be employed as Administration Co-ordinator.

Diane, Petra and Peter at the Foodbank Barbeque

                                                

Sonita's Story

"Currently I am a full time college student studying social sciences to gain access to university. The reason I need to use the Foodbank was because my claim for Employment Support Allowance was cancelled with no thought from the Department of Work and Pensions on how I would survive. I do not meet the criteria for other benefits due to my age and my college course. 

As I suffer from depression I have also become estranged from my father, meaning I have nobody to support me."

West Cheshire Foodbank would like to thank Sonita for sharing her story.

Racquel's Story

"My story started a month ago when I did some part time work, of which I notified the Department of Work and Pensions. The DWP got back to me via a letter saying I hadn't informed them and are therefore suspending my allowances.

That is why I needed emergency food today. The issue is still going on a month later."

Thank you Racquel for sharing your story with West Cheshire Foodbank

Restoring Faith in The Safety Net

Church Action on Poverty has launched its latest report on "Restoring Faith in the Safety Net" (.pdf file).  As it points out in its introduction:

A truly compassionate society is one which expresses concern for the welfare and dignity of all its citizens. In a world of growing insecurity, a compassionate society is one which provides a bedrock of social security: the security of knowing that becoming sick, disabled or unemployed, or suffering a financial shock or crisis (be it a bereavement or a broken cooker), will not leave anyone penniless, hungry or at risk of destitution.

[...]

This report restates the case for a social security safety net. It also documents an increasing number of holes in that safety net – undue delays, errors, or excessive sanctions, many of which are leaving large numbers of people without income for days, weeks or even months at a time. Too many people, including children, are being left at risk of hunger or destitution as a result.

You can download and read the report by clicking here (.pdf file).

For more information, and to take action to restore faith in the safety net visit the Church Action on Poverty Website: http://www.church-poverty.org.uk/safetynet

Sarah's Story

"Due to circumstances over the last few months I have found myself in debt.  I am struggling to pay bedroom tax and am now in arrears and have to go to court.  It has been a case of either heating the house or eating.

I would be happy to move to a smaller property but there is nothing available so have to remain in the property but cant afford the bedroom tax and now face being evicted.

The situation is affecting my health and increased my depression,  I have disabilities that affect my mobility but cannot go into any sheltered accommodation until I'm 55 years of age."

Thank you Sarah for sharing your story with us at West Cheshire Foodbank.

Kel's Story

"My family and I fully appreciate all the help and support the Wesley Methodist Church has given us. 

We are in a bad position financially through our benefits changing.  My partner is not ready to work, due to ill health.  I am also unwell and awaiting an operation.

Hopefully our benefits will be changed once our appeals have been looked at again".

West Cheshire Foodbank would like to thank Kel for sharing her story.

Luke's Story

"Luke was on Disability Living Allowance. This changed to Personal Independence Payment and the lady that assessed Luke said that it would only take a week to 10 days for the change. 10 months later he was still waiting.  

Luke only receives £72 a fortnight from Employment and Support Allowance.  He has depression and cancer and has been in and out of hospital.  Both SA and DIAL house has been involved to try and chase this situation up but Luke keeps being told it is being dealt with."

Thanks Luke for sharing your story with West Cheshire Foodbank.

Anthony's Story

"I live with my wife and 17 year old step son.  We have an older step son in work who technically lives with us, but who spends most of his time with his girlfriend.  I have been on incapacity benefit with depression for 7 years.  I missed a medical appointment in January. I had written it in my diary incorrectly and went in on the wrong day.  Because of this my benefits have been stopped.  I have to appeal against this.  I missed an appointment last year so now they have deemed me fit to work. My son is still dependent as he is currently at college studying.  My wife also has depression."

Thank you for sharing your story with West Cheshire Foodbank.

National Food Collection: Can You Help?

The next National Food Collection is taking place on Thursday 2, Friday 3 and Saturday 4 July 2015 at the Sealand Road and Frodsham Street Tesco stores. We're short of volunteers and we'd love it if you can help out by volunteering for 2 hours on one of these days.

We need volunteers to hand out shopping lists to shoppers as they come to the stores and to help collect their donations as they leave. We will have 4 people on duty at all times at both the Frodsham Street store and the Sealand Road store. We’re just asking for 2 hours of your time. You must be 16 yrs of age or above.

Don’t worry if you haven’t done this before. We have friendly and experienced volunteers who will supervise the collections and show you what to do.

Please check your diary and register your interest, indicating which days and times you may be free. We’ll keep you up to date with our planning and contact you to finalise your time slot(s). Contact us: emailwarehouse@westcheshire.foodbank.org.uk or call 07778 344726.

We hope you can join us on Thursday 2, Friday 3 or Saturday 4 July 2015. By volunteering at your local Tesco store you can help stop people going hungry in your community.

A huge thank you to everyone in advance for so generously giving your time, money and food to help local people in crisis.

Daniel's Story

"I was laid off in November 2012 from a council contract.  I have been looking for work until I had an accident to my right lower leg in June 2013 and I received ESA.  I had to go into hospital for an operation and this was postponed by 3 weeks, meanwhile my benefits were stopped.  I have now had the operation but I have been told I cannot have any Jobseekers Allowance until later in the month.  I am currently on crutches and not really fit for work as I am a driver.  I plan to appeal against the refusal of ESA.  I have applied for Disability Living Allowance and was told I would be interviewed at home, however nobody came and I was not contacted"

We thank Daniel for sharing his story with the West Cheshire Foodbank.

Newsletter April 2015 :)

Click here to view our latest newsletterand find out what's been going on at West Cheshire Foodbank over the last few months.

Tracey's Story

"Tracey was made redundant from full time work, just before having her first baby.  Her partner was employed but was also made redundant.  Apart from child and maternity benefit, they aren't claiming other benefits and will now lose working tax credits."

Foodbank would like to thank Tracey for her story.  

Perry's Story

"I have been told that I owe £17 000 in overpaid disability benefits.  I haven't had any money for ten days and I am waiting for an appeal in another ten days.  I just have to tell the truth.

I get quite down thinking about it.  I have been borrowing odd bits of money from my neighbours."

Thank you Perry for sharing your story with Foodbank.

We Urgently Need to Rethink Benefit Sanctions

We should welcome the recent call from the Work and Pensions Committee for a full and independent review of the benefit sanctions regime.

Image: Jonny, Colin, Tony, Patricia, Ann, Mark, Geof, Cath and Pete; volunteers at West Cheshire Foodbank sort public donations of food to distribute to local people in crisis – one in ten people are referred to the foodbank as the direct result of a sanction.

At West Cheshire Foodbank, more than one in ten households are referred as the direct result of a sanction. This is when a person has their social security payments deliberately removed because they are deemed not to have fully met the detailed requirements of Jobcentre Plus. In 2014, over one million people in the UK had their social security payments stopped in this way, usually for four weeks, but in some cases for up to three years.

There is clear evidence that sanctions place significant numbers of individuals and families in a position where they cannot afford foodⁱ. Furthermore, new research by a national coalition of churches shows that the sanctions regime disproportionately affects people who are young, leaving care, homeless, single or who have a long term illness or mental health problem”ⁱⁱ.

The DWP recognises that, with no resources to fall back on, even healthy adults will inevitably “suffer some deterioration in their health”ⁱⁱⁱ. When Phil^iv missed an appointment made by Jobcentre Plus, he had his benefits sanctioned for four weeks throwing him and his family in to a crisis situation. He told us “I have three children to feed and it is very hard to manage”. Research by the Methodist Church shows that the situation Phil and his family were in is common: in 2013/14, around 100,000 children were affected by sanctions^v.

Sean^iv explained that he was also referred to the Foodbank because of a sanction: "I was at CAB sorting out my housing benefit and could not make an appointment for the IT suite. I phoned up as soon as I realised I could not make the IT suite and told them I was at CAB sorting my housing benefit but I was still put on a sanction."

Lily^iv was referred to the foodbank after she was sanctioned. She told us "I have been sanctioned because I had an appointment for a job search. I went to the appointment, I signed in and signed back out because I was told there were no computers free. I was told to go back which I did but there were still no computers free. Then I was told to make another date to come back. I am still waiting for the appointment to go back."

May^iv was sanctioned for four weeks because she did not attend an interview. She had recently moved into a hostel and said “when I didn’t receive an interview letter I was sanctioned”. May continued “The hostel I've recently moved into told me to go to Foodbank.  I am good with money and usually do myself a food shop".

Although the Department for Work and Pensions says there is a system of hardship payments in place, very few of the people who have had to turn to foodbank are aware that these exist, and have been unable to access them in the first 15 days of a sanction period. Chris Mould, Chairman of the Trussell Trust quite rightly points out that: “it is very difficult to feed yourself and your family with no money over that two week period” ^vi.

Removing the means by which a family or individual can eat is not just a violation of the right to food and social security (UDHR 25i), it is also a disproportionate reaction to relatively trivial acts like missing an appointment.

As Dr David Webster of The University of Glasgow identifies in his written submission to the Work and Pensions Committee, a “combination of ‘silo’ thinking by officials in the DWP and its predecessors, and ideological gestures by politicians, has led to the growth of what is a huge secret penal system, rivalling in its severity the mainstream judicial system but without the latter’s safeguards” ^vii.

The final reason we need to rethink sanctions is simple. Despite their punitive nature, there is no evidence that they work. The purpose of sanctions should be to increase employment, but despite the DWP being adamant that ‘active policies work’, research from Oxford University shows there is “no association between the use of sanctions and employment rates” ^viii. If anything, as Major Gill Stacey at our local Salvation Army commented recently, the sanctions regime is counter-productive, creating a climate of fear that can be “all consuming, damaging people’s mental health and driving people further from employment”.

The Work and Pension’s Committee is right to call for a full and independent review of benefit sanctions again – let’s hope the Government listens this time.

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i] 11%. See Section 5.2.2. Spencer, A., Ogden, C. & Battarbee, L. (2015). Cheshire Hunger: Understanding Emergency Food Provision in West Cheshire. Available from: http://westcheshire.foodbank.org.uk/cheshirehunger

ii & iii] See Time To Rethink Benefit Sanctions. Report by Church Action on Poverty, the Baptists Union of Great Britain, the United Reformed Church, the Methodist Church, the Church of Scotland and the Church of Wales available from http://www.jointpublicissues.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/rethink-sanctions-report-0315.pdf

iv] Name changed.

v] Press Release http://www.methodist.org.uk/news-and-events/news-releases/new-report-nearly-100000-children-affected-by-benefit-sanctions-in-201314

vi] Page 51, Benefit Sanctions Policy Beyond The Oakley Review. 

http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201415/cmselect/cmworpen/814/814.pdf

vii] http://data.parliament.uk/writtenevidence/committeeevidence.svc/evidencedocument/work-and-pensions-committee/benefit-sanctions-policy-beyond-the-oakley-review/written/16442.html

viii] Loopstra, Reeves, McKee & Stuckler, 2015 in Spencer, A., Ogden, C. & Battarbee, L. (2015). Cheshire Hunger: Understanding Emergency Food Provision in West Cheshire. Available from: http://westcheshire.foodbank.org.uk/cheshirehunger