SCORES of people in the Taunton and Wellington area were trapped in real poverty because of Government austerity measures, a shocking survey revealed in November 2014.

Parents went hungry so children could eat, many people feared being unable to heat their homes in winter and some sold possessions to survive.

One person ate toast for a week, another couldn't afford petrol to visit their children, while one strip washed instead of having a bath.

The harrowing tales were in a Taunton Deane Council report into the impact of changes to housing benefit and council tax support.

Under the Welfare Reform Act 2012, most people of working age previously exempt from council tax had to pay 20 per cent of the bill, while people in council houses with spare rooms were hit by the ‘bedroom tax’.

In Taunton Deane, 4,239 households received less help with council tax after the rule changes, while 559 saw an average housing benefit reduction of £14.44 a week.

Bailiffs were sent in over 3,000 times for non-payment of council tax.

Fiona Cope, deputy chief officer of Taunton and District Citizens Advice Bureau, said: “The cumulative effect of Welfare Reform has had a serious impact on our clients, causing financial crisis for those in receipt of benefits and in low-paid work.

“We’re acutely aware that many are having to make the stark choice between eating and heating with parents going hungry so their children don’t.”

The food bank distributed 4½ tonnes of food worth £12,778 to CAB clients the previous year.

Referring to the 'bedroom tax, Ms Cope added: "The rules are quite draconian with people having to choose between paying for the extra space themselves and face financial hardship or move to smaller homes where their health, and the health and wellbeing of those around them, will be affected."

Here are some of the comments from people in the survey.

“We’re in a four-bedroom house and are having to move to a two-bedroom as finances dwindle.”

“I’ve had to cut back and go without on everything. I also have to borrow money to pay my monthly bills.”

“I’m selling my jewellery.”

“The kids will not get toys for Christmas.”

“I eat toast for a week to pay the benefit top-up.”

“I’m selling my personal belongings.”

“I’ve taken in a lodger.”

“I eat less and buy cheaper food. I keep the heating off, strip wash instead of bathing and wear my clothes for longer before washing.”,

“We sell our belongings and use our savings.”