THE Barrow and Furness MP has branded Universal Credit ‘not fit for purpose’ after a leading government minister admitted the new benefits system had contributed to the rise in foodbank usage across the country.

Amber Rudd, the Secretary for Work and Pensions acknowledged the link between the new Universal Credit benefits system and the increasing reliance on foodbanks.

Speaking to MPs, she said delays in the roll out of the new system meant people “had difficulty accessing their money early enough,” and this could be to blame for claimants seeking emergency food aid.

Barrow and Furness MP John Woodcock welcomed the Work and Pensions Secretaries admission, but said it comes “all too late".

He said: “It exposes the sheer wilfulness of her predecessors to ignore the facts and inflict the rollout of Universal Credit across the country when the system was not fit for purpose.

“Here in Barrow, the rollout began three weeks before Christmas and the advice and support they were offered was shut off to them over the festive period.

“There was no way they could plug the gap between the transfer and Christmas and many of my constituents had to turn to foodbanks.

“That’s tough at any point of the year, but so much worse with the stresses of Christmas on you.

“The secretary has identified the problem, now it’s her job to fix it. For the sake of others across the country, I hope she adds a bit of humanity and common sense to the programme.”

Having acknowledged the part Universal Credit has played in the increasing use of foodbanks, Ms Rudd said: “We are committed to providing a strong safety net where people need it.”

She went on to say that changes had been made to make it easier for claimants to receive advances on payments.

Anne Mills, Project Manager at Barrow Foodbank said since Universal Credit was only introduced to Barrow in December 2018, the Foodbank was yet to see a significant increase in the number of people needing assistance.

However, she did say they are expecting the number of users to rise as more people are moved on to the new benefits system.

Cllr Michael Cassels, health boss on Barrow Council has encouraged people to seek advice and support as soon as problems arise from Citizens Advice, Foodbank & Community Kitchen.

Cllr Cassells also said he has asked the Department for Work and Pensions to give people who are transferring from existing benefits to Universal Credit more time and clearer information. Earlier in the year, volunteers at Barrow Foodbank received a royal visit when Princess Anne came to see the good work the group do for the community. The Mail also helped the foodbank fill its shelves in preparation.