Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what plans her Department has to provide further support to food banks in response to a potential increase in unemployment as the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme ends.

The Department for Work and Pensions has no plans to provide support to food banks which are run by independent charitable organisations. However, the Department is committed to providing a strong welfare safety net of financial support for those that need it. In addition to the £5 billion increase in benefit rates from April 2020, we have injected more than £9 billion into the welfare system in response to Covid-19, increasing Universal Credit and Working Tax Credit by up to £1,040 for this financial year, benefiting over four million households. We have also increased Local Housing Allowance rates - putting an average of £600 into people’s pockets.

The Department also works in partnership with a variety of stakeholders as well as through Jobcentre Plus offices, to provide factual information on the range of benefits available, including Universal Credit (which is also an in-work benefit). When somebody has an enquiry or change in their circumstances, we actively encourage them to establish their eligibility and start an application as soon as it is right for them. No one has to wait five weeks for Universal Credit as new claim advances are available. This information is promoted through social media and advertising which directs people to the Understanding Universal Credit website for further information.