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'500,000' reliant on food banks

More than half a million people are now reliant on food banks, charities have said as they called on MPs to investigate the impact of benefit cuts.

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DWP: Welfare reforms 'improve the lives' of poorest

A Department for Work and Pensions spokeswoman has responded to claims that there is a connection between the Government's benefit cuts and the number of people reliant on food banks.

She said the benefits system supports millions of people "so no-one has to struggle to meet their basic needs". She added:

We welcome the contribution voluntary organisations and foodbanks, including the Trussell Trust, 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.

Our welfare reforms will improve the lives of some of the poorest families in our communities, with the Universal Credit simplifying the complex myriad of benefits and making three million households better off.

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'500,000' reliant on food banks

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