DESPERATE new mums are being forced to eat baby food donations as they’re so broke they can’t afford to buy their own meals.
That’s the chilling reality staff at The Nappy Project in Stoke on Trent say they’ve witnessed firsthand.
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“People are starving, particularly those waiting for Universal Credit or personal independent payments (PIP),” founder of the project, Hayley Jones, told The Sun, after first speaking to the BBC.
“It’s not just a case of missing meals, it’s weeks of not eating while they wait five weeks for their first Universal Credit payment to come through – or longer if they have to challenge or appeal a benefits decision.
“I’ve been told of women having bailiffs come to their door demanding unpaid council tax bills but they can’t even afford food.”
She added that some families are so desperate they’ve resorted to eating baby food because it’s all they’ve got in the cupboards.
How to get out of debt
RECORD numbers of Brits are seeking help to manage their debt.
While getting back on track can seem like a daunting task, we’ve taken a look at what you can do to help you on the way.
Get help for free: There are lots of groups who can help you with your debts.
- Citizens Advice – 0808 800 9060
- StepChange – 0800 138 1111
- National Debtline – 0808 808 4000
Don’t ignore bills: Ignoring your bills won’t make them go away, as tempting as it may be, and the problem will likely escalate. It’s best to tackle debt head on by working out exactly what you owe and when you need to pay it back.
Make a budget: Once you know what you need to pay back, it’ll become easier to prioritise your finances. The next step is to create a detailed budget so you can see how much you have going in and going out. Use an online tool like one from Citizens Advice to help you do this.
Switch and save: Households can save hundreds of pounds by checking if they can get a cheaper deal elsewhere. In fact, MoneySavingExpert says families can save £330 on average by switching from Standard Variable Tariffs (SVTs) to a better rate. Use a comparison site like MoneySuperMarket or Energyhelpline to see what deals are available.
Get a balance transfer card: If you’re paying interest on your credit card balance, this can ultimately add to your debt pile. A better option could be getting a 0 per cent balance transfer card. These types of card will let you transfer an existing balance to a new card and gives you the chance to clear it fully without incurring interest. MoneySavingExpert’s eligibility calculator will let you know what deals you will likely qualify for. You’ll need to have a good credit rating to qualify for one.
See if you’re entitled to benefits: It’s important to check if you’re entitled to any extra benefits or tax credits if you’re struggling financially. Citizens Advice can help you see what help is available and there’s a benefits calculator on the Gov.uk website. Help ranges from tax credits, job seeker’s allowance and universal credit.
Also consider: You can find information about Debt Management Plans (DMP) and Individual Voluntary Arrangements (IVA) on the Money Advice Service website and on the Government’s Gov.uk site. But make sure you know exactly what you’re signing up to as these plans aren’t suitable for everyone. Many firms charge a fee for the service, either upfront or one that’s incorporated into your monthly payments.
The Sun has been calling for the five-week wait for Universal Credit to be reduced as part of its Make Universal Credit Work campaign.
And only last year MPs heard how some struggling mums on Universal Credit have performed “survival sex” for food.
One single mum on Universal Credit who was forced to take out payday loans to fund childcare, has now taken the government to court.
Meanwhile, between April and September 2019, a staggering 823,145 food parcels were given to people in crisis, according to the Trussell Trust, which is behind the UK’s only national network of food banks.
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The Nappy Project, which is run by volunteers such as Hayley, buys baby supplies, including nappies, wipes, and food, from donations and then distributes these to those who need it most.
They also provide toiletries, sanitary wear, and medication, as well as beds, cots, pushchairs, sterilisers, and baby baths.
It started as a one-off nappy giveaway in April 2018 but the concept proved so vital to the community that it’s continued growing ever since and they’re now applying for charitable status.
In January, they received 100 new referrals, and in their busiest month last year they helped an astonishing 800 families.
How to cut your bills
IF you’re struggling financially, you might be able to cut the cost of your bills to help you get out of the red.
Council tax: You can apply for a council tax reduction on the Gov.uk website but you’ll need to meet certain criteria. Your bill could be cut by as much as 100 per cent if you’re on a low income or claim benefits. Carers who look after someone in the household for at least 35 hours a week are also exempt from paying.
Water: Households might be able to save money by getting a water meter but it all depends on how much you’re using. To check if it’s finacially worthwhile, use the Consumer Council for Water’s free ater meter calculator.
Rent: If you have the space available and your landlord or local authority says it’s ok to do so, you might want to consider getting a flatmate. Not only will you split the cost of the rent, but also the other bills.
Hire purchase: If you’re struggling to make your repayments on your hire purchase, you can usually end the contract by returning the goods. You will have to pay all the instalments due up to the time you end the agreement but this will limit the amount you owe. Contact Citizens Advice for free for more help with this.
Gas and electricty: MoneySavingExpert says families can save £330 on average by switching from Standard Variable Tariffs (SVTs) to a better rate. Use a comparison site like MoneySuperMarket or Energyhelpline to see what deals are available.
Mortgage: If you get into debt with your mortgage payments, don’t wait for your lender to chase you. Work out what you can afford using the Citizens Advice budgeting tool so you can discuss your payment options moving forward with your mortgage provider.
Secured Loan: Your secured loan might be covered by the Consumer Credit Act and if it is, you may be able to apply for a Time Order. This is a special agreement by the courts allowing you more time to make payments. Secured loans not covered by the Consumer Credit Act include gas, electricity or water meters, payments that need to be written off in full, mortgages, credit union loans, loans from an employer and some short term trade agreements.
County Court Judgements: If you receive a County Court claim form talk to a free debt advice service straight away. This includes Citizens Advice (0808 800 9060), StepChange (0800 138 1111) and the National Debtline (0808 808 4000).
TV licence: Some households are eligible for a reduced fee or free TV Licence. Pensioners over the age of 75 currently get a free TV licence but this is due to change in June 2020. Check here to see if you are entitled to a reduced or free rate.
Food: Use discount stores, such as Aldi and Lidl to save on food costs. Also check apps, such as Too Good To Go to see if you can get free or heavily discounted items before they’re thrown away by shops and retailers. And ask Citizens Advice if it can refer you for food bank vouchers.
Hayley says everyone from domestic abuse victims to young girls to the unemployed and even to those struggling despite having full-time jobs have have turned to the organisation for help.
She said there’s no support for people, which means they’re having to turn to charities, food banks and other crisis help organisations.
The BBC spoke to one 24-year-old mum who said she’d turned to The Nappy Project after being forced to sell her five-month old son’s newborn clothes to help pay for rent.
“There’s just so many people in this situation where you can’t afford it,” she added.
Another mum, who is 24, told how she came to the project after her husband was diagnosed with TB and declared unable to work, which left the family unable to even afford a coat for their four-month-old son.
She said she now feels depressed.
To visit a Trussell Trust food bank, you need to be referred. This can be done via a variety of different professionals such as doctors, health visitors, social workers and Citizens Advice.
Once referred, you a voucher which can redeemed for an emergency parcel with a minimum of three-days worth of food.
Visit The Nappy Project’s Facebook page to get in touch if you’re struggling. You can also donate to The Nappy Project via its JustGiving page.
The Sun has contacted Stoke on Trent council.
