Food banks across the country have reported an increase in demand in areas where Universal Credit is rolled out.

With a five-week delay in waiting for a payment under the new benefit system many people run out of what money they have before they get their first Universal credit paid into their bank.

Universal Credit was introduced in Govan Jobcentre in September.

Across the UK as the benefit has been phased in there has been a corresponding increase in food bank referrals. In 2018 it was noted that in areas of the roll out food bank demand rose by 17%,. This was in comparison to a 7% rise nationally.

In Glasgow as the benefit is brought in the pattern appears to be repeating.

Claire McCunnie, Development Worker at Glasgow south west food bank said already there has been an impact.

She said that demand has gone up by just over 20% since Universal credit full service was introduced to Govan Jobcentre in September.

She said: “We are only seeing new claimants but I am seeing a lot of single mothers some are holding out until week four then they have to get help.

Some people just turn up others phone ahead. We always tell people to come along. We will deal with the food first and then try and help out with other issues if we can.”

Glasgow Housing Association has been using one of its support services to help tenants in hardship.

The Eat Well service provides food for people in hardship and GHA expects an increase in demand with Universal Credit.

One tenant told of his experience of getting help when he needed it.

The 56 year old GHA tenant from the south side of Glasgow said he fell behind on his rent when he had to pay to travel to his brother’s funeral in England.

He said: “Soon after that I had a heart attack and it meant I wasn’t fit to work. I’d been a bus driver.

“Financially and physically I was at a low ebb. I was on Universal Credit and had to survive on £250 a month.

“My housing officer knew I was struggling for cash because I wasn’t working. Eat Well was one of the ways she helped me.”

He said he felt guilty about accepting the food but had to get over that.

He added: “I’d been to food banks before. It’s a fact of life for many people these days. There have been times when I’ve been having to stretch out what little food I had.

“It’s a great thing, a cracking idea, and it’s helping the people who really need it.

Each week, a bag of basic fresh and long-life food is delivered to the tenant’s home.

He added“It’s a shame that because of circumstances we have to rely on it.

“Hopefully I can get back to work soon but I’m grateful for the support I’ve received

“Nobody seems to care about people who can’t work. At least GHA have showed they care about me.”