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<p>The Department does not keep official statistics on food bank use, so the assessment
requested is not available. Some food aid providers, such as the Trussell Trust, produce
statistics on the number of food parcels distributed, but the Government has no plans
to require individual food banks to keep records as this would place a significant
burden on charitable and voluntary organisations.</p><p> </p><p>We have always said
there are many reasons why people use foodbanks. We have listened to feedback on how
we can support our claimants and acted quickly, making improvements such as extending
advances, removing waiting days, and introducing housing benefit run on. These changes
are giving support to vulnerable people who need it most, whilst at the same time
helping people get into work faster.</p><p><strong> </strong></p>
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