Campaigners and food bank representatives from across South Glos and Bristol travelled to the Palace of Westminster to join more than 700 individuals from across the UK at a Lobby Day organised by Trussell (previously The Trussell Trust) and Joseph Rowntree Foundation.
There were around 20 individuals who either work or volunteer in anti-poverty organisations or have lived experience of poverty in Bristol who spoke to four Parliamentary MPs about the need for an Essentials Guarantee in Universal Credit.
An Essentials Guarantee calls for Universal Credit to cover the basic essentials such as food, bills, hygiene products and other everyday items, meaning that no one is forced to rely on the food bank to survive. There are plans in place to meet with two more of the local MPs at a future date.
With damaging reforms to the welfare and disability benefit system being discussed in detail by MPs it was a very poignant time to share with MPs the real stories of people from their communities who will be affected by the bill.
Research shows that around five in six low-income households on Universal Credit currently go without enough for essentials like food and bills. In Bristol & South Gloucestershire, 85% of people who have been to a Trussell Foodbank in the past year are in receipt of some form of benefits, including those who are working.
According to the food banks, this demonstrates that inadequate social security has become the main driver of food bank needs. Representatives said they believe that the basic rate of Universal Credit should at least cover the cost of essentials, but it is currently falling short.
When asked about their experience at the lobby day, Ellen from North Bristol & South Gloucestershire Foodbank reflected: “I think the highlight of the day was gathering together in the Emmanuel Centre and seeing the vast number of people (over 700) all gathered in order to speak to their local MPs … our conversations with our local MPs were positive, knowing that so many more similar conversations were happening throughout the day, felt really powerful.”
Lauren from South & East Bristol Foodbank said: “I felt incredibly privileged to be trusted by those in our community to share their stories and experiences of the Benefits system, with those who have the power to make a difference to their lives”.
Since the group’s visit on June 18, there have been some positive changes made by the Government in terms of welfare reform, but representatives said it is vital that campaigning continues so that there can be a future where no one in the community needs to use a food bank to survive.