THE charity that runs Malmesbury and District Foodbank has said that it is being relied upon to ‘pick up the pieces’ of the government’s controversial new welfare policy, which has been defended by North Wiltshire’s MP.

The Trussel Trust is calling for “urgent action” after saying it is “troubled” by Universal Credit (UC), and has concerns that the policy could lead to people going hungry across the area this Christmas.

Malmesbury foodbank has slammed UC, which they say is piling extra pressure on its stocks and volunteer capacity and is contributing to debt, mental health issues and rent arrears of vulnerable people in the Malmesbury community.

Under the Tory’s new welfare policy, the single monthly payment of UC replaces a range of benefits including jobseeker’s allowance, income support, housing benefit and child tax and working tax credits.

UC is paid in monthly arrears which means claimants often have to wait six weeks before receiving their first payment.

Figures from Malmesbury foodbank have shown a fall in the number of year-on-year, three day emergency food supplies over the last six months, from 238 between April-September 2016, to 198 in the same period this year.

However, the foodbank believes that while it has seen a local decrease, they are seeing an increase in single people struggling with continued issues with benefit payments and low wages.

Ray Sanderson, chairman of trustees of Malmesbury and District Foodbank said: “It’s really worrying, every week people are referred to us after something unavoidable, such as illness, a delayed benefit payment or an unexpected bill, means there’s no money for food.”

Mark Ward, interim chief executive at The Trussell Trust, added: “Our network is working hard to stop people going hungry but the simple truth is that even with the enormous generosity of our donors and volunteers, we’re concerned foodbanks could struggle to meet demand this winter if critical changes to benefit delivery aren’t made now.

“People cannot be left for weeks without any income, and when that income does come, it must keep pace with living costs.

“Foodbanks cannot be relied upon to pick up the pieces.

“Without urgent action from policy-makers and even more generous practical support from the public, we don’t know how foodbanks are going to stop families and children going hungry this Christmas.”

James Gray, Conservative MP for North Wiltshire, has defended his party’s welfare policy.

“I am delighted to hear that the use of the Malmesbury foodbank is down year-on- year”, he said.

“That is good news, but of course worrying that some people still have to use the foodbank at all.

“We are all concerned to ensure that Universal Credit is introduced with a minimum of hassle and we must never lose sight of the small number who may be suffering, especially as a result of the gap in payments.

"For those individuals who think they may face difficulties before their first payment, an advance payment can be requested.

“Advance payments can help with managing the initial period before payments start, and are treated as a loan, with repayments automatically deducted from future Universal Credit payments and around half of all new claimants to Universal Credit receive an advance.

“We are all keeping close tabs on UC, and there may well be some further amendments to come, quite possibly in the Budget.”

In the last six months, generous Malmesbury people donated more than three and a half tonnes of food and supplies and the foodbank is asking the community to keep it up and help them prepare for their busiest time of the year.

You can donate at Malmesbury Waitrose or at the United Reform Church on West Street.

For more details go to malmesburydistrict.foodbank.org.uk