Millionaire Lord Freud, a Work and Pensions minister, insisted that the recent sharp increase in people resorting to food handouts to feed their families was not necessarily linked to benefits sanctions or delays.
“Clearly food from a food bank is by definition a free good and there’s almost infinite demand.”
“Food banks are absolutely not part of the welfare system that we run.” Freud climed. If that is the case, why do they issue vouchers for them from benefit offices? A DWP spokesperson said: “We welcome the contribution voluntary organisations and food banks play in supporting local communities, beyond the safety net provided by government. That is why Jobcentre Plus – for the first time – is now referring people to their services.”