Iain Duncan Smith has defied criticism of his government’s welfare cuts, insisting he ‘welcomes’ food banks in Britain.
The Work and Pensions Secretary said the rise in the number of charities handing out food parcels was evidence of ‘decent’ people helping those who have ‘fallen into difficulty’.
But the comments reignited claims that benefit cuts were forcing more people to turn to good causes for help, and plans to reduce tax credits will make the problem worse.
Ministers have previously argued that an increase in the number of food banks has been fuelled by Jobcentre staff being allowed to refer the unemployed to food banks for help reports Daily Mail.
It is also suggested that increased media coverage about food banks means more people are aware of their existence.
But critics claim cuts to benefits and rising living costs are to blame in part for some people struggling to make ends meet.
New figures today showed that 15 per cent of people are living in relative poverty, while the number of children classed as living in relative poverty is 2.3 million.