VerbatimParliament, as it happens

Food Banks

Asked by Ben Obese-JectyConservativeDepartment for Work and PensionsTabled Answered 11 February 2026UIN 110959

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many pre-existing foodbanks have been brought into official statistics each year since 2010.

Answered by Dame Diana Johnson

The Department does not hold data on the number of pre-existing foodbanks that have been brought into official statistics.

Statistics on food bank use are published annually in the Households Below Average Income statistics report and are only available from 2021/22 onwards. The most recent publication is available here: Households below average income: for financial years ending 1995 to 2024 - GOV.UK.

Verbatim has judged this answer against the question that was actually asked — answered, partly answered, or evaded. Sign in to see the verdict →

Open this question in Verbatim →

Every written question, searchable

155,000 questions tabled since the election, with the answer each department gave — and the ones still unanswered, with the clock running. Free to search.

Search written questions →Read on Verbatim