THE manager of a foodbank has stressed the need to help vulnerable people following a government policy that some claim could see youngsters facing homelessness.

Cher Smith, project manager at Swindon Foodbank, said the number of people who visit the foodbank would likely increase after the government’s decision to scrap housing benefit for jobseekers aged between 18 and 21.

The cut applies to new Universal Credit claims made after April 1 and was first included in the Conservatives’ 2015 manifesto.

Cher said: “A lot of people are having their benefits cut and it’s going to cause massive problems.

"We are already seeing an increase in people using the foodbank and I expect there will be more needing to use in now.

“The majority of our users are families, especially young families – and they will be the hardest hit. I think we should be doing all we can to help the most vulnerable in society.”

Figures recently released by the House of Commons Library suggest that 18,000 people between the ages of 18 and 21 could be affected, though the library admitted the figures are “a very rough estimate”.

The Daily Mirror earlier this week compiled a table of the top 10 constituencies from across the country that are expected to be the hardest hit. South Swindon was placed sixth.

The leader Swindon's Labour group, Councillor Jim Grant, said: “The young people who will be effected by this government benefit cut will be the most disadvantaged in our communities – young adults who were once in care, or had to flee their families because a parent was violent, or they have depression but are yet to be diagnosed.

“The Government have shown with this policy and others that they are not interested in protecting the people who are the most vulnerable society.”

But South Swindon Conservative MP Robert Buckland sought to clarify the Government’s policy.

He said: “Housing benefit is not being removed from young people aged 18 to 21. The change relates to people of that age who make new claims for Universal Credit and who have family accommodation.

“Those who can’t live with their parents or are otherwise vulnerable will continue to get help with housing costs.

“The Government is supporting more and more young people into work and apprenticeships, which is the best route out of poverty.”

A spokesman from the Department for Work and Pensions said: “Many young people in work can’t afford to move out of home straight away, so this policy ensures those in the benefit system face the same choices as those in work.

“We have put in place a wide range of exemptions to ensure that vulnerable people are protected.

“Crucially, the policy will not affect those who are unable to live with their parents, as they will be able to continue to claim support for their housing costs.”