Wednesday 25 March 2015

We Urgently Need to Rethink Benefit Sanctions

We should welcome the recent call from the Work and Pensions Committee for a full and independent review of the benefit sanctions regime.

Image: Jonny, Colin, Tony, Patricia, Ann, Mark, Geof, Cath and Pete; volunteers at West Cheshire Foodbank sort public donations of food to distribute to local people in crisis – one in ten people are referred to the foodbank as the direct result of a sanction.




At West Cheshire Foodbank, more than one in ten households are referred as the direct result of a sanction. This is when a person has their social security payments deliberately removed because they are deemed not to have fully met the detailed requirements of Jobcentre Plus. In 2014, over one million people in the UK had their social security payments stopped in this way, usually for four weeks, but in some cases for up to three years.

There is clear evidence that sanctions place significant numbers of individuals and families in a position where they cannot afford foodi. Furthermore, new research by a national coalition of churches shows that the sanctions regime disproportionately affects people who are young, leaving care, homeless, single or who have a long term illness or mental health problem”ii.

The DWP recognises that, with no resources to fall back on, even healthy adults will inevitably “suffer some deterioration in their health”iii. When Philiv missed an appointment made by Jobcentre Plus, he had his benefits sanctioned for four weeks throwing him and his family in to a crisis situation. He told us “I have three children to feed and it is very hard to manage”. Research by the Methodist Church shows that the situation Phil and his family were in is common: in 2013/14, around 100,000 children were affected by sanctionsv.

Seaniv explained that he was also referred to the Foodbank because of a sanction: "I was at CAB sorting out my housing benefit and could not make an appointment for the IT suite. I phoned up as soon as I realised I could not make the IT suite and told them I was at CAB sorting my housing benefit but I was still put on a sanction."

Lilyiv was referred to the foodbank after she was sanctioned. She told us "I have been sanctioned because I had an appointment for a job search. I went to the appointment, I signed in and signed back out because I was told there were no computers free. I was told to go back which I did but there were still no computers free. Then I was told to make another date to come back. I am still waiting for the appointment to go back."

Mayiv was sanctioned for four weeks because she did not attend an interview. She had recently moved into a hostel and said “when I didn’t receive an interview letter I was sanctioned”. May continued “The hostel I've recently moved into told me to go to Foodbank.  I am good with money and usually do myself a food shop".

Although the Department for Work and Pensions says there is a system of hardship payments in place, very few of the people who have had to turn to foodbank are aware that these exist, and have been unable to access them in the first 15 days of a sanction period. Chris Mould, Chairman of the Trussell Trust quite rightly points out that: “it is very difficult to feed yourself and your family with no money over that two week period” vi.

Removing the means by which a family or individual can eat is not just a violation of the right to food and social security (UDHR 25i), it is also a disproportionate reaction to relatively trivial acts like missing an appointment.

As Dr David Webster of The University of Glasgow identifies in his written submission to the Work and Pensions Committee, a combination of ‘silo’ thinking by officials in the DWP and its predecessors, and ideological gestures by politicians, has led to the growth of what is a huge secret penal system, rivalling in its severity the mainstream judicial system but without the latter’s safeguards” vii.

The final reason we need to rethink sanctions is simple. Despite their punitive nature, there is no evidence that they work. The purpose of sanctions should be to increase employment, but despite the DWP being adamant that ‘active policies work’, research from Oxford University shows there is “no association between the use of sanctions and employment rates” viii. If anything, as Major Gill Stacey at our local Salvation Army commented recently, the sanctions regime is counter-productive, creating a climate of fear that can be “all consuming, damaging people’s mental health and driving people further from employment”.

The Work and Pension’s Committee is right to call for a full and independent review of benefit sanctions again – let’s hope the Government listens this time.


i] 11%. See Section 5.2.2. Spencer, A., Ogden, C. & Battarbee, L. (2015). Cheshire Hunger: Understanding Emergency Food Provision in West Cheshire. Available from: http://westcheshire.foodbank.org.uk/cheshirehunger
ii & iii] See Time To Rethink Benefit Sanctions. Report by Church Action on Poverty, the Baptists Union of Great Britain, the United Reformed Church, the Methodist Church, the Church of Scotland and the Church of Wales available from http://www.jointpublicissues.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/rethink-sanctions-report-0315.pdf
iv] Name changed.
v] Press Release http://www.methodist.org.uk/news-and-events/news-releases/new-report-nearly-100000-children-affected-by-benefit-sanctions-in-201314
vi] Page 51, Benefit Sanctions Policy Beyond The Oakley Review. 
http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201415/cmselect/cmworpen/814/814.pdf
vii] http://data.parliament.uk/writtenevidence/committeeevidence.svc/evidencedocument/work-and-pensions-committee/benefit-sanctions-policy-beyond-the-oakley-review/written/16442.html
viii] Loopstra, Reeves, McKee & Stuckler, 2015 in Spencer, A., Ogden, C. & Battarbee, L. (2015). Cheshire Hunger: Understanding Emergency Food Provision in West Cheshire. Available from: http://westcheshire.foodbank.org.uk/cheshirehunger

Robert's Story

"Robert was working full-time and put on to Employment Support Allowance due to a leg injury.  He had an appointment at a work related activity group, but could not go as he collapsed in town as the injury to his leg turned out to be a serious blood clot.  Robert was rushed to hospital, so missed the appointment and had his benefits stopped.
Robert came out of hospital to be told that as his injury is now 'different' he has to make a new claim which they say will take three weeks to sort out.  He had been in town to collect the two weeks money he was owed, which he hasn't had and they now say he won't get, because it is a new claim.  This means that there will be a minimum of 5 weeks that Robert will be without money."

Thank you Robert for sharing your story with Foodbank

Friday 20 March 2015

May's Story

"I'm on Job Seekers Allowance, but when I didn't receive an interview letter I got sanctioned.  I've been to the Job Centre to sort it out after being sanctioned for four weeks.  The hostel I've recently moved into told me to go to Foodbank.  I am good with money and usually do myself a food shop".

Thank you May for telling us your story.

Wednesday 18 March 2015

John's Story

"Originally on incapacity benefit for 10 years.  On transfer to Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) I had a medical and was awarded 0 points by ATOS. I asked for a review but the decision was upheld. I appealed but the medical representative humiliated me.
I was given bad advice by Job Centre Plus that I could not claim other benefits.  I lived off savings for over a year and made a new claim for ESA and was granted basic rate.  My GP has always given me sick notes and am living in dread of another medical.  I have both physical and mental health issues.  I only get 25% single occupancy discount.  I feel like a corpse."

Thank you John for sharing your story with Foodbank.

Friday 13 March 2015

Matthew's Story

"I have changed claims to claim for my new partner.  We have one 19 month old child.  Because of this my benefits stopped and I have been told it will take three weeks before my benefits will come through and meanwhile we have nothing."

Thank you Matthew for your story.

Wednesday 11 March 2015

Gerry's Story

"Gerry is 67 and has numerous debts.  He has rent arrears because of the 'bedroom tax' and he owes council tax and other debts.  Efforts are being made to resolve this.  Recently he was taken advantage of and his life savings were stolen, leaving him destitute.  The person who did this has been imprisoned. 
Gerry has cerebral atrophy, which has affected his memory so that he gets confused and forgetful.  He is being helped by social services."

Thank you Gerry for sharing your story.

Friday 6 March 2015

Andrew's Story

"I've just signed on at the Job Centre and waiting for my appointment.  But they have left me for over two weeks with no money or support.  They have taken away the phones in the Job Centre as well, which makes life very difficult to contact them when I have no family or anyone.
They have cut people off with basic service.  If it wasn't for Foodbank I would have no food and then I would of gone out to steal food if I had to.
Thank God for the Foodbank".

We would like to thank Andrew for his story.

Wednesday 4 March 2015

Phil's Story

"I had missed an appointment and my benefits had been sanctioned for four weeks. 
I have three children to feed and it is very hard to manage with the cutbacks and there will be more cutbacks. I now will have to do 30 hours of voluntary work before I can apply for Job Seekers Allowance again.  Meanwhile the Foodbank have given me food."

Thanks to Phil for sharing his story with us.

Monday 2 March 2015

PRESS RELEASE: STUDY DEEPENS INSIGHT INTO WHY PEOPLE TURN TO FOODBANKS


A group of frontline charities1 and the University of Chester have published pioneering new research that reveals in greater detail than ever before the reasons why people are referred to West Cheshire Foodbank. Based on these findings, the report calls on policy makers to tackle the rise in local emergency food provision and recommends key ways in which foodbank use can be reduced.


READ THE FULL REPORT


READ THE EXECUTIVE SUMMARY


ATTEND THE LAUNCH EVENT


The study collected information across the 1711 referrals for emergency food provision that were made between May and November 20142.

The researchers worked collaboratively with local advice services to put together a detailed coding system, drilling into the reasons for crisis used on Trussell Trust’s foodbank vouchers. The system was utilised by West Cheshire Foodbank’s referral agencies during the research period. The findings mirrored Trussell Trust’s statistics at a headline level3 but were able to provide much more information about why people required food. In particular the report demonstrates significant numbers of foodbank visitors faced problems with social security payments (including protracted administrative delays, sanctions and ESA stoppages); and lengthy crises due to low income and debt, usually as a result of prohibitive housing costs and utility bills.
The Reverend Christine Jones, Chair of Trustees at West Cheshire Foodbank said:

Behind these statistics are real people who are struggling – people such as Scott4, who was unable to work due to a knee operation but didn’t score enough points to receive Employment and Support Allowance. Whatever the reason for emergency food use, any hunger is unacceptable and we are concerned that there is a level of need which is being systematically ignored. We are calling on the government to publicly accept that food poverty is a growing problem and to take responsibility for protecting the poorest people in society.”

The research pioneered a new data collection method for Trussell Trust foodbanks which combined detailed statistical analysis with personal narrative. The study strengthened and upheld previous research, providing an enhanced level of scrutiny. West Cheshire Foodbank developed a format for studying food poverty which could be replicated by other foodbanks around the country, to provide more robust information on the need experienced by those in food poverty.

Alec Spencer, who co-authored the report commented: “We felt it was important to gain more insight into why people require emergency food provision. The findings have contributed to the wider discourse of food poverty but we recognise that it is important, both locally and nationally, to examine the drivers of emergency food provision. This will ensure that interventions can be shaped intelligently and responsibly by governments, local authorities and the third sector in order to reduce hunger in the future.”

KEY FINDINGS

- Demand for charitable emergency food provision in West Cheshire has grown rapidly over the last two years. Of those receiving emergency food, approximately two thirds were adults and one third were children.

- All household types access emergency food provision. There was a strong positive correlation between the deprivation of a ward and the number of foodbank referrals.

- Problems with benefits directly accounted for almost half (47%) of the referrals to West Cheshire Foodbank.
  • Administrative and other delays accounted for 23% of referrals and typically lasted between 1 and 4 weeks.
  • Sanctions accounted for 11% of referrals and usually placed households in a crisis situation for between 1 and 13 weeks.
  • Benefit Changes accounted for 9% of referrals and typically lasted between 1 and 4 weeks.
  • ESA stoppages accounted for (4% of referrals and typically lasted between 2 and 13 weeks.
- Issues relating to low, insecure income and debt were also hugely significant reasons why people accessed emergency food provision (31%).
  • Low, insecure incomes accounted for 20% of referrals and typically lasted between 1 and 4 weeks. A significant number (12%) of crises endured for considerable periods of time however, with low income households unable to afford sufficient food for 13 to 26 weeks.
  • Debt accounted for 11% of referrals and the immediate crisis was estimated to last for between 1 and 4 weeks.

RECOMMENDATIONS

The report recommends the following actions to reduce the need for emergency food provision. Full recommendations can be found on page 32 of the report.
  1.        Improve Jobcentre Plus administration and service
  2.        Reform sanctions policy and practice
  3.        Reform the mandatory reconsideration process
  4.        Ensure social security payment levels are adequate
  5.        Ensure wages are sufficient and that work is secure
  6.        Sustain and improve access to the HELP Scheme (CWAC local welfare assistance)
  7.        Ensure adequate support is available for people affected by domestic violence and homelessness

NOTES TO THE EDITOR
  • The charities include West Cheshire Foodbank, The Trussell Trust, Cheshire West Citizens Advice Bureau, DIAL West Cheshire (DIAL House), Chester Aid to the Homeless, the Debt Advice Network and the Salvation Army.
  • This research collected information about the people using the West Cheshire Foodbank between the 1st May and the 30th of November 2014.
  • 3 Please see http://www.trusselltrust.org/stats.
  • Scott shared his story when he visited the Foodbank during the research period. See Narrative 5 on page 25 of the Cheshire Hunger Report. Since he shared his story with us, Scott4 went through the mandatory reconsideration and appeals process and had the original decision overturned in court. Scott was awarded 17 points and has had his social security payments reinstated. He said: “They stopped my benefits and the way they treated me made me feel so small. I was suicidal. If it wasn’t for my missus I wouldn’t be here. We all are humans. We’re not just a number. I’ve got my money now but I would like an apology from the Department for Work and Pensions for all the heartache and stress their decision caused me.”
  • Seeking food aid is usually a strategy of last resort.
  • UK evidence shows that growing need is driving provision.
  • There is no evidence that all people who go to food banks do so because they cannot budget or cook. 
  • Severe reductions in UK public expenditure, particularly in social security entitlement and levels, as well as a rise in insecure and self-employment, and stagnant wages have combined with significant loss of local authority networks of support, and marked increases in essential costs of living including food prices to leave more and more people struggling to sustain access to enough good food for a healthy life.

FURTHER COMMENTARY

Richard Atkinson, Director at DIAL West Cheshire said:
At DIAL West Cheshire we see many hundreds of people who have been subject to unfair and unreasonable medical assessments by ATOS and other government contractors. In almost every case these assessments trigger an immediate financial crisis and the threat of food poverty. It is simply wrong that people who are ill or disabled are placed at risk of hunger in this way.”

Major Gill Stacey at The Salvation Army said:
“The stories I hear from people who have lost their job – especially those in their 50s - remind me of how easy it can be to lose everything you have. In these difficult circumstances, benefit sanctions are the last thing people need: the fear that these create can be all consuming, damaging people’s mental health and driving people further from employment. The jobcentre treats people looking for work as third rate citizens. Current policies are dehumanising and strip people of their self-belief, worth and esteem. We need to rethink the way that we treat people in crisis, and strive for a social security system that emphasises compassion and dignity.”

Meriel D’Artrey, Head of Social and Political Science at the University of Chester said:
“As a Social Science Department which puts a strong emphasis on social change and social justice, we have been delighted to collaborate in the production of this report. Led on our part by Dr Cassie Ogden, it evidences the relevance of our knowledge transfer activities to the community and of the University’s impact on policy initiatives. “

Robert Bissett, Chief Executive at Chester Aid to the Homeless said:
“Chester Aid to The Homeless has worked with the West Cheshire Foodbank to help alleviate the issue of food poverty in our local community. Our hope is that this report will provide a focus to reduce the need for charitable and faith based organisations to provide emergency food provision.” 

DOWNLOAD THE PRESS RELEASE. PRESS PLEASE CONTACT: Alec Spencer, devofficer@westcheshire.foodbank.org.uk, 07985 338149