A RECORD number of emergency supplies were given out at foodbanks in the last 12 months, new figures show.

The Trussell Trust, which supports foodbanks in Blackburn, Burnley and the Ribble Valley, said its network provided 1,182,954 three-day food supplies to people 'in crisis' across the country in the year to March, more than 70,000 than in the previous 12 months.

The charity said almost 440,000 supplies went to children.

In Lancashire 11,192 were given to adults, while 6,591 were handed to children.

That was compared to 10,970 adults and 6,749 children the previous years.

The trust said foodbanks in areas where the new Universal Credit (UC) benefit was introduced saw an average increase in referrals for emergency food of almost 17 per cent.

It also said the effect of a six-week waiting period for a first UC payment could be serious, leading to debt and rent arrears.

Benefit delays and changes remain the biggest cause of someone being referred to a foodbank by a doctor, social worker or jobcentre.

David McAuley, chief executive of the Trussell Trust, said: "The move to simplify an often complex welfare system is a welcome one, but any large reform can have unforeseen consequences.

"Foodbanks see first-hand how changes to the welfare system affect people on the ground and so can offer an early warning to decision-makers.

"We are sharing our early observations with the Department for Work and Pensions to ensure any adverse side-effects Universal Credit can have on people are addressed before full rollout is completed.

"We have been heartened by secretary of state Damian Green's willingness to engage, his department's work to pilot improvements, and the recent changes to the Universal Credit taper rate which mean people moving into work will keep more of their earnings.

"We hope our insights can inform efforts to make sure the values on which Universal Credit is built are delivered in practice.

"To stop UK hunger, we must make sure the welfare system really does work for everyone."

A Department for Work and Pensions spokesman said: "The reasons for food bank use are complex, so it's misleading to link them to any one issue.

"Under Universal Credit people are moving into work faster and staying in work longer than under the old system.

"Universal Credit is designed to mirror the world of work and give people control over their own finances.

"The majority of UC claimants are confident in managing their money and we work closely with local authorities to support those who need extra help. Budgeting support, benefit advances, and direct rent payments to landlords are available to those who need them."