NORTHWICH’S MPs have responded to concerns raised by the Mid Cheshire Foodbank after latest figures showed the number of users is increasing much faster than the national average.

Last month the Guardian reported that 2,432 emergency food supplies were given to people in the Winsford and Northwich area by Mid Cheshire Foodbank over a six-month period.

The figure is a 30 per cent increase on the same period the previous year. The national average is an increase of 13 per cent.

Mark Ward, interim chief executive at The Trussell Trust, raised concerns that the introduction of Universal Credit in the area would make matters worse, with many cases around the country of people left for several weeks with no income.

Responding to the comments, Weaver Vale Labour MP Mike Amesbury said: “It’s a sad indictment on the track record of the current government that one of the few growth areas happens to be foodbanks.

“It’s not only those that might be out of work and in receipt of benefits that are turning to foodbanks, but it’s also people in work who haven’t had a pay rise for the last seven years - such as our key public sector workers.

“The rollout of Universal Credit is likely to only exacerbate this and I will continue to call for its deployment to be paused so it can be fixed.”

Antoinette Sandbach, Eddisbury Conservative MP, added: “It is concerning that any local resident should have to resort to using a foodbank. These figures are not welcome but through my work in supporting the community I have not witnessed a correlation between the introduction of Universal Credit and the rise in the use of foodbanks.

“I have actually felt that the system is working well with fewer individuals needing support from local agencies and my office. If anyone is struggling to manage, particularly through the winter months, I would encourage them to contact me or the Citizens Advice Bureau for support and guidance.”

Tatton Tory MP Esther McVey said: “I'd like to thank the Trussell Trust and other foodbank providers for their work and commitment helping families across Cheshire and by working together we can address the reasons for the increasing numbers visiting foodbanks.

“Trussell Trust names the introduction of Universal Credit as one of the reasons foodbank usage nationally is rising so I'm pleased to say that after much work on this matter with Government, Ministers have agreed to provide extra support for people starting this new benefit, namely by reducing the time taken to receive the first payment and there is a loan system providing immediate support where needed, especially for housing payments.

“It is important, however, that Universal Credit works well. It was introduced with cross party support, to provide continuous financial support for people out of work, coming into work and on fluctuating incomes. This benefit is beginning in Cheshire West on 13th December and will begin in Cheshire East next July.

“I would like to say a huge thank you to the people who run the Foodbanks and we are all very grateful to them for their continued support and the work they do in helping families who fall on bad times.”