Trussell Trust chairman Chris Mould hits back at Iain Duncan Smith after the Work and Pensions Secretary accused his organisation of "scaremongering"
We reject the suggestion that we have a political agenda. Our interest is the
needs of poor people who we see in their thousands every week. It’s got nothing
to do with party politics.
The reason we want to see Mr Duncan Smith face-to-face is because he has the responsibility and the power to put things right.
It’s not about scrounging or bad budgeting, many come to a food bank because a health visitor, a social worker or some other respected professional says they have a genuine problem with benefits and welfare.
Others are struggling on low incomes. We want a conversation because there are things that the Department for Work & Pensions and Jobcentres can do to make it better for people in crisis.
They need to be clear on what help is available to those in dire need, such as short-term benefit advances.
When someone is a few minutes late for an appointment at the Jobcentre because their bus doesn’t turn up, they should not be taking money away for several weeks. It’s inhumane.
The process of appeals needs to be faster too. Some people can wait seven months without their correct benefits before a decision is made.
If the DWP helped, it would be something they could be proud of.
The reason we want to see Mr Duncan Smith face-to-face is because he has the responsibility and the power to put things right.
It’s not about scrounging or bad budgeting, many come to a food bank because a health visitor, a social worker or some other respected professional says they have a genuine problem with benefits and welfare.
Others are struggling on low incomes. We want a conversation because there are things that the Department for Work & Pensions and Jobcentres can do to make it better for people in crisis.
They need to be clear on what help is available to those in dire need, such as short-term benefit advances.
When someone is a few minutes late for an appointment at the Jobcentre because their bus doesn’t turn up, they should not be taking money away for several weeks. It’s inhumane.
The process of appeals needs to be faster too. Some people can wait seven months without their correct benefits before a decision is made.
If the DWP helped, it would be something they could be proud of.
