The Head of Church Engagement at the Trussell Trust is urging people who receive Personal Independence Payments (PIP), Universal Credit, or disability benefits to seek support from their church communities.
It comes as sources in Downing Street confirm that talks are underway with more than 120 Labour MPs who have publicly backed a move to block the government’s planned welfare reforms.
They are concerned about cuts to benefits, which could see 250,000 more people – including 50,000 children – pushed into relative poverty. The government, however, says new measures will be introduced to help those with disabilities and long-term health conditions find work.
The Trussell Trust said the changes would push nearly half a million more people towards the doors of food banks.
Jessica Foster told Premier:
“We already have so many people coming to our food banks. Two-thirds of the people who come to our food banks have a disability, and that rises to 75 per cent in households. That includes carers coming to a food bank. It's out of all proportion to the number of people in the general public, and we are already supporting more and more people.
“This bill will undoubtedly push more people into poverty, and that’s exactly the direction we are trying to stop.”
Foster said many people she meets at regular prayer meetings are fearful about the changes:
“I was in a meeting last night – a group of us and people who've used food banks in the recent past. Their anxiety levels are through the roof. Their lives depend on the little bit of extra money they get from PIP.
“For example, people were talking about someone who has a condition that means they need regular massages to stay mobile. They don't get them on the NHS. They’re paying for them with their PIP, and they won’t be able to afford them otherwise. That will mean they can’t get out.”
She went on to say the reforms could affect the number of people able to volunteer in their communities:
“Somebody else uses PIP to pay for their transport. Bus and train fares are really expensive, especially if you live in a rural area. Another person mentioned charging an electric wheelchair overnight.
“There’s fear that lives are going to be diminished in really significant ways.”
She’s urging people to find the right support:
“Please find ways of talking about it. Reach out to friends, reach out to church leaders. If you’re at church or if you know people who are disabled, please make sure you’re giving them time to talk about it. Mention it in your church service, pray about it in your intercessions, and email your MP.”
MPs are set to vote on the proposals on Tuesday.
The Department for Work and Pensions said 3.8 million families will gain an average of £420 a year as a result of the increase in the Universal Credit allowance and changes to the assessment process.