Govt. criticized for failing to show urgency in tackling hunger

The leader of the Church of England was, in particular, critical about problems caused by bureaucratic delays in welfare benefit payments and sanctions imposed on job centers, saying such hurdle left vulnerable claimants without money for food.

Welby has called for a political debate on welfare to make the life of those dependent on benefits easier and to “recognize the value of social security”.

The strong call from the church leader comes amid a parliamentary report on the causes of rising food banks and household food insecurity in the country. “Despite some sign of progress, Britain is far from abolishing hunger,” the report concludes.