THE LATEST NEWS AND UPDATES ACROSS BATH STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX SIGN UP Thank you for subscribing See our privacy notice Invalid Email

There has been a huge rise in the number of emergency food parcels being handed out to people in north east Somerset.

Between April 2018 and March 2019, 2,472 three-day emergency food parcels were handed to people in areas around Midsomer Norton and Radstock, 1,151 of which went to children.

That is a a 23 per cent increase on the previous year according to the Somer Valley Foodbank charity.

It says the local increase is due to people struggling with benefit payments, issues with Universal Credit such as the five-week wait, insecure work and the lack of or reduction in available local government support.

Two years ago, local MP Jacob Rees-Mogg branded the community support surrounding food banks "rather uplifting" during an LBC radio show.

He said it "shows what a compassionate country we are."

UK hunger charity The Trussel Trust says the local figures are in line with a national increase in food bank use and also points to Universal Credit as a trigger.

(Image: Jack Taylor/Getty Images)

The food bank gives emergency food and support to people waiting at least five weeks for a first Universal Credit payment; who are not able to access support or are receiving payments that don’t cover the cost of essentials.

Paul Woodward, the Somer Valley Foodbank manager said: “No one in Midsomer Norton and Radstock area should need a food bank’s help and we want to see an end to local people needing emergency food at all.

"It doesn’t have to be this way - our benefits system is supposed to protect us all from being swept into poverty.

"Universal Credit should be part of the solution but currently the five week wait is leaving many without enough money to cover the basics. This isn’t right.

“Until we reach a future where food banks are no longer needed, we’ll continue to provide vital support when it matters most. We’re dedicated to ensuring that people in our community without enough money for food are able to access emergency support.

Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will start in 8 Cancel Play now

"Our vital work in the community has only been possible in the last year because of the incredible generosity shown by local people in donating food, time and funds. A staggering 20,265 tonnes were donated last year."

The running costs for the food bank are raised locally to enable them to continue their work.

Costs include warehouse space to sort and stock donated food, a van to pick up donated food and deliver to distribution centres and other overheads like utilities and insurances.

20,265 tonnes of food were donated by the local community between April 2018 and March 2019.

If you would like to find out more about how to donate to visit bank, click here.

Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Amber Rudd announced changes to Universal Credit in January.

In a speech she said: "Let’s not forget that Universal Credit began with near universal support – across party lines, and from charities and stakeholders."

(Image: Alex Burstow/Getty Images)

"Because everyone agrees with the principles of helping people into work, making work pay, and providing support in times of need.

"And I want Universal Credit to retain that support as we deliver it in practice.

"This means delivering it in a way that meets the needs of claimants, who come from every conceivable background and each with the potential to achieve their ambitions.

"In welfare, there is no one-size-fits-all solution, and Universal Credit offers the opportunity to move away from that."

Mr Rees-Mogg's office has been approached for comment.

Want more news?

To subscribe to our daily newsletter, enter your email address into the box at the top of this story.

To keep up to date with our latest news, follow us on Facebook and Twitter

Find our Bath Facebook page here or Somerset's can be found here

Alternatively, follow us on Twitter - @BathLive and @SomersetLive