A Kingston food bank organiser has called it “a shame” Work and Pensions Secretary Iain Duncan Smith claimed his organisation is scaremongering about welfare changes.
The food bank operates as part of the Trussell Trust, which Mr Duncan Smith has said uses “political messaging”.
Paul Pickhaver, from the Surbiton Community Church, said: “I have no political agenda. Anyone who has tried to politicise [the food bank], I have been very firm with them.
“It is a shame when politicians dismiss something that is happening as political.
“It is about making changes in people’s lives.
“People in Kingston see the need and are willing to give their one packet, one tin.”
Food bank volunteers Paul Pickhaver and Chris Scannell.
The Trust’s chairman, Chris Mould, asked to meet the minister to discuss a link between changes to benefit payments and rising numbers of food bank visitors.
Mr Duncan Smith wrote back denying the connection, The Times newspaper reported today.
He said: “I strongly refute this claim and would politely ask you to stop scaremongering in this way.
“I understand that a feature of your business model must require you to continuously achieve publicity, but I'm concerned that you are now seeking to do this by making your political opposition to welfare reform overtly clear.”
The Surrey Comet reported earlier this month that more than half of all Kingston food bank vouchers issued by JobCentre Plus over two years were used in the last three months.
Volunteer Chris Steer and Big Yellow Storage assistant manager Lauren Goodwin
Changes to benefits in Kingston, including a ‘cap’ on payments and a spare bedroom penalty, were introduced this year.
Visitors to Kingston food bank recently include some who have gained seasonal work over Christmas, but need help because their pay packet will not arrive until the end of the month, Mr Pickhaver said.
A spokesman for the Department for Work and Pensions said: “There is no robust evidence that welfare reforms are linked to increased use of food banks.
“The Trussell Trust itself says it is opening three new food banks every week, so it's not surprising more people are using them.
“They also agree that awareness has helped to explain their recent growth.”
Have you been affected by changes to the welfare system, or visited Kingston food bank for any other reason?
Call the newsdesk on 020 8744 4273 or email jon.sharman@london.newsquest.co.uk.
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