'I Don't Want to Live In A Country Where Food Banks Are Necessary', Says Sturgeon On Highland Visit

The plight of people struggling to survive on a controversial new benefits system was witnessed first-hand by Scotland’s First Minister.

During a visit to Inverness Nicola Sturgeon visited the city’s food bank and heard how the roll out of universal credit is causing a surge in the number of people relying on the charity.

It is one of the first places in the UK to switch to the new system, which replaces Jobseeker’s Allowance, employment and support allowance, income support, child tax credit, working tax credit and housing benefit with one single payment.

It has been blamed for people losing their homes as people have had their benefits stopped or frozen for something as simple as reporting a change of address.

All new claims or change in circumstances spark an automatic six-week freeze which can continue even longer if there are problems processing the application, leaving some penniless and unable to feed their children or pay their rent.

On Friday, Ms Sturgeon met volunteers at the Merkinch food bank and heard how people arrive at the door starving because they have not received their money.

She said: “I always feel upset when I visit food banks because I don’t want to live in a country where food banks are necessary but while they are necessary we have people here doing fantastic work.

“I’ve been hearing about the impact universal credit has been having from benefit delays to payments not being made which causes people to fall into debt and rent arrears and they then need to come to food banks.

“Tory policies have consequences which are being felt by people who are working hard but are struggling to make ends meet. The Tories never find it difficult to give tax cuts to the richest in society while taking lifeline support away from the most vulnerable.”

The full service of universal credit is expected to be rolled across the Highlands in July.

Report courtesy of the Ross-shire Journal