THE Bishop of Manchester, Dr David Walker, is part of a group that launched a new inquiry into the system of Universal Credit this week.

The new All-Party Parliamentary Group is asking “How should the level of Universal Credit be decided?” and was launched on Monday at Hammersmith and Fulham Foodbank.

Dr Walker, who welcomed the inquiry and the opportunity to be a part of it, said that, in the 2000s he had not heard of foodbanks.

“The growth of foodbanks is a tremendous tribute to human endeavour and community’s ability to tackle social ills, but it’s a dreadful indictment on our nation that we have so many people that actually require the use of foodbanks,” he said.

The cross-party team also includes the Plaid Cymru MP for Caerfyrddin, Ann Davies; Baroness Lister (Labour, chairing the inquiry); the Liberal Democrat MP for Horsham, John Milne; Baroness Prentis (Conservative); the Labour MP for Bathgate and Linlithgow, Kirsteen Sullivan; and the Labour MP for Blackpool South, Chris Webb.

As part of the inquiry, Trussell has invited people with experience of the Universal Credit system, charities, think tanks, trade unions, academics, and members of the public to submit evidence, including ideas for improvements. The charity is accepting evidence online until 7 September.

Jess HurdThe Bishop of Manchester at the inquiry launch at Hammersmith and Fulham Foodbank

In a statement issued on Monday, Trussell said: “The amount Universal Credit payments are fixed at has never been set against any real costs. No independent evidence. Just a political decision — and nobody is properly or regularly checking it against the cost of essentials.”

Dr Walker said: “The only solution is Britain finding the same political will that it did in the 1940s and 1950s in the aftermath of the Second World War. We need to reimagine a modern inclusive welfare system that makes sure everyone who lives on this land can have access to affordable, nutritious food.”

Zoe Boorman, a mother with experience of using a foodbank, who joined Dr Walker and others at the launch, said that every week on Universal Credit presented a struggle to make ends meet. “It barely covers the cost of our bills, let alone the cost of food,” she said.

“Many people don’t understand how little Universal Credit is to live on, or how difficult the system is to navigate. . . Seeing politicians from across the political spectrum coming together on this really important issue makes me feel that change is possible for families like mine.”

trussell.org.uk