FOODBANK use in the city has risen by almost a quarter, higher than the national and regional average.

Between April 1, 2017 and March 31, 2018, Salisbury's Trussell Trust foodbank provided 3,351 three-day emergency food supplies (1,085 of which went to children), a 22.6 per cent increase on the previous year.

During the same period, the charity's foodbanks in the south west saw a 16 per cent increase in foodbank use, and the national use increased by 13 per cent.

Low income was the most common reason for people to visit a foodbank in the region, accounting for 30 per cent of referrals.

Salisbury foodbank manager Lucy Duffy told the Journal it was the largest increase she had seen during her two years working with the charity.

"A lot of that is due to benefit cuts, delays and freezes that have been brought about at the same time as Universal Credit, which had a knock-on effect on families waiting for payment," she said.

"The cost of living has risen, but benefits have been frozen, so people are having to borrow money during the delay, and once Universal Credit comes they have to find the money to pay it back straight away.

"Whereas the system before used to be that people were able to manage their money against their essential costs, those costs are rising, but incomes, zero-hours contracts work and benefit freezes are all having an effect."

Ms Duffy said the increase was "not acceptable", adding: "As a city, we don't expect anyone to be left hungry, and too many people are having a daily struggle. While Universal Credit is the future of the benefits system, it is vital that we get it right. Something needs to be addressed."

The charity is calling for benefits to be brought in line with inflation, and asking for an urgent inquiry around Universal Credit.