THE number of children in Torfaen turning to foodbanks has increased, according to figures released by the Trussell Trust.

Figures released by the charity show that in the period between April 1 and September 30, 2,883 emergency three-day food parcels were handed out.

While the number of parcels dispensed to adults fell by 12 compared to the same period in the previous year – 1,841 in 2017 against 1,853 in 2016 – the number given to children rose by 32 units.

Last year, 1,010 packages were given to children while 1,042 were handed out this year.

In terms of a Wales-wide picture, Torfaen was ranked as the fourth highest local authority overall – behind Cardiff, Carmarthenshire and Swansea only.

The borough was also ranked fourth in Wales for the number of package handed out to adults – behind Cardiff, Carmarthenshire and Swansea again – and for children - Cardiff, Carmarthenshire and Flintshire.

It had the highest rate overall as well for the five former Gwent councils - ahead of Caerphilly, Blaenau Gwent, Newport and Monmouthshire.

One of the main reasons cited for the increase in use was the roll-out of Universal Credit, which came into effect in Torfaen in July.

According to research from the Trussell Trust, foodbanks in areas of a full roll-out for six months or more had seen a 30 per cent rise on the previous year.

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Tony Graham, the director for Wales at The Trussell Trust, said: “We are still seeing increasing demand at foodbanks across Wales driven by the inadequacy of income levels and issues with benefit payments, and this is ahead of the acceleration of full Universal Credit rollout.

“Foodbanks in Scotland and England already experiencing full rollout are sharing serious concerns about the effect of the six week wait, poor administration and inability of the advance payment system to support everyone on no income.

“We must act on these insights now to ensure the story is different in Wales.”

Torfaen’s foodbank provision is organised from the Eastern Valley Foodbank in Pontnewynydd, and dispenses food parcels from there and at locations in Blaenavon, Cwmbran and Pontypool.

Mr Graham added that food donations and volunteers can be hard to find at times, and the persistance with Universal Credit roll-out could spell danger for many more people.

“Our network is working hard to stop people going hungry but the simple truth is that even with the enormous generosity of our donors and volunteers, we’re concerned Welsh foodbanks could struggle to meet demand if we see the scale of increased foodbank use seen in full Universal Credit areas elsewhere,” he said.

“People cannot be left for weeks without any income, and when that income does come, it must keep pace with living costs – foodbanks cannot be relied upon to pick up the pieces.”

A spokesman for the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) said: “Universal Credit lies at the heart of our commitment to help people improve their lives and raise their incomes. It provides additional, tailored support to help people move into work and stop claiming benefits altogether.

“And it’s working. With Universal Credit, people are moving into work faster and staying in work longer than under the old system.

“The vast majority of claimants are paid in full and on time but no one who needs support has to wait six weeks.

“When people apply for Universal Credit they are advised about the maximum advance they can receive, and that they can repay over six months.

“Once we know someone needs an advance, they can get it within five days or on the same day if they are in urgent need.”

Torfaen MP Nick Thomas-Symonds, who called for the Government to pause the roll-out of Universal Credit, said the system was not helping those most in need.

He said: “These shocking statistics confirm that the Tory Government’s ignoring of the parliamentary vote to pause and fix Universal Credit is causing great hardship in our communities.

“The Government must think again before it drives on regardless with all the damage that it is causing to people’s lives.”

For details, go to trusselltrust.org/get-help/find-a-foodbank/.