The Somerset mum on Universal Credit who cannot afford to feed her children

A mother from Somerset on Universal Credit says she has been forced to turn to a foodbank in order to feed her children.

Lisa Chant, from Peasedown St John, said her monthly benefit payment isn’t enough to cover food for her family.

Instead, she must regularly turn to her local foodbank in Midsomer Norton in order to feed herself and her two children.

Without foodbank donations, Lisa said she wouldn’t be able to survive.

"I get paid on the 8th,” she said.

“I normally run out of money between the last two weeks. I try and make it to the last week, but it's normally two weeks."

Universal Credit is designed to simplify the benefits system, by merging six different types of support into one payment.

But the application of it has proved hugely controversial, and some users - like Lisa - have noticed payments vary depending on the length of the month.

"They just want to chuck money at you and let you get on with your life,” Lisa complained.

“They don't help you get into work, they don't help you get your kids into school, they don't even give you a bus travel ticket to help you get to places when it comes to social and things."

“They don't even give you a chance. You've got to support two kids on your own with them pressuring you, making you feel bad, and then they're turning round saying 'when you going to work?'”