AFTER new figures show foodbank use has increased across Wales, a charity has warned more people will become reliant on food parcels when Universal Credit is fully rolled out.

Trussell Trust foodbanks distributed 43,059 three day emergency food parcels across Wales between April 1 and September 30 this year, a four per cent increase on last year.

In Newport, 1,439 emergency supplies were provided, an increase from 1,242 in the same period last year. The figure was higher in Torfaen, where 2,883 emergency supplies were distributed, a rise from 2,863 the previous year.

Foodbank use in Blaenau Gwent increased from 1,628 supplies from April to September last year to 2,003 this year.

However in Monmouthshire foodbank use reduced from 1,139 last year to 1,007. This is despite Chepstow Foodbank feeding the most people in the last financial year since it opened in 2012.

The figures come as government changes which mean new working age claimants will claim Universal Credit are rolled out across Wales. The changes are due to take effect in Newport from November 15.

Tony Graham, Wales director at Trussell Trust, who is based at Newport Foodbank, said: "Foodbanks in Scotland and England already experiencing full rollout are sharing serious concerns about the effect of the six week wait, poor administration and inability of the advance payment system to support everyone on no income.

"We must act on these insights now to ensure the story is different in Wales. Our network is working hard to stop people going hungry but the simple truth is that even with the enormous generosity of our donors and volunteers, we’re concerned Welsh foodbanks could struggle to meet demand if we see the scale of increased foodbank use seen in full Universal Credit areas elsewhere.

"People cannot be left for weeks without any income, and when that income does come, it must keep pace with living costs – foodbanks cannot be relied upon to pick up the pieces."

A DWP spokesman said Universal Credit aims to help people 'improve their lives and raise their incomes.'

The spokesman said: "With Universal Credit, people are moving into work faster and staying in work longer than under the old system."