News

PATCH concerned after Job Centres told not to refer those in need to food banks

Published

5 years ago

February 9, 2019

THE MANAGER of PATCH, the charity running Pembrokeshire’s food bank, has expressed concern following reports in the national press that the Department for Work and Pensions is now banning Job Centres from referring those in need to food banks.

According to The Independent, some Job centre staff have been ordered not to refer Universal Credit claimants to food banks, in a move campaigners have said is preventing vulnerable people from getting vital help and “hiding” those who are in need.

A leaked email from two Job centres,, said the DWP policy “does not permit” food bank referrals and that the local job centre had been advised to “verbally signpost” people to charities who can formally refer them instead.

Tracy Olin, who runs the charity said: “This is terrible news, I am intending to write to our local MPs to ensure they are aware of the situation, and we may have to re-think our referral system.”
“This [move] is possibly just to manipulate figures” she added.

PATCH have confirmed that local Job Centres have already been stopped from holding parcels for emergencies, in a move which the charity slammed as “just awful.”

But volunteers said many who needed support would not approach charities because of the additional stress and embarrassment of asking for help for a second time.

Tracy Olin told The Herald: “We have seen so many referrals because of the Universal Credit roll-out and with so many hit by sanctions, but I guess we’re blessed in Pembrokeshire because we do have so many brilliant support agencies such as CAB, PATH and Gwalia.”

Concerned: Tracy Olin

She added: “Most of the people I speak to at the job centre are so good and really want to help the client.
“I think this would be so hard for the Job Centre staff, not just the client.
“How horrible for them if they have to send someone away that’s in genuine need!
“Things like this do seem to take a bit of time to reach here, but I hope it is not implemented any time soon.
“I will email our MPs on Monday to express my concerns.
“The poor staff at the job centre. I would find it unbearable to send away someone in need.”

A DWP spokesperson told The Pembrokeshire Herald that their policy on food bank referrals had not changed. “Jobcentres will signpost people to food banks and other services according to their individual circumstances, as part of their support to help people manage their finances and get into work,” the spokesperson added.

Community

Water supply disruption in Hakin, Milford Haven due to burst pipe

Published

6 mins ago

May 2, 2024

Tom Sinclair

RESIDENTS of Hakin in Milford Haven may be facing water supply issues after a burst water main was discovered in the area. Dwr Cymru Welsh Water has confirmed the incident, which has occurred on their network, and is likely to affect the water pressure or result in a complete cut-off.

The company issued a notification at 11:53 AM today (May 2), detailing the problem and advising local residents of possible low water pressure or a lack of water supply until the issue is resolved. The affected post code is SA73 3AB, where the burst pipe was located.

The status of the repair work is currently at ‘Stage 1 – Investigation’, with both the estimated start and completion of the repair set for today, May 2nd, 2024. Dwr Cymru Welsh Water has apologised for any inconvenience caused by the incident and urges residents to check their website for updates.

Local authorities and emergency services are coordinating to minimise the disruption and ensure that residents have access to alternative water supplies if necessary.

Residents can stay informed by visiting the Dwr Cymru Welsh Water digital service portal or by subscribing to updates from the utility provider. The company has also provided a link for those wishing to unsubscribe from notifications, ensuring that only those directly affected or interested receive the latest updates.

Crime

Police appeal following assault outside Haverfordwest store

Published

9 mins ago

May 2, 2024

Tom Sinclair

POLICE in Pembrokeshire are investigating an assault that happened outside B&M stores, Haverfordwest, at about 6.30pm on Tuesday, April 23.

The suspect is described as a teenage male wearing a balaclava and a cast on his wrist. He is believed to have left the location in a silver car.

The victim did not sustain any injuries.

The police have asked for assistance. Anyone who witnessed the incident or anyone with information that could help officers with their investigation is asked to get in touch with PC 1296 Clarke, either by: