I spend most of my life being mildly irritated over just about anything. I think it might be an age thing – yes, I am a grumpy old(ish) man.

But it takes a lot to make me angry, truly angry.

I briefly mentioned foodbanks last week and thought I would do a little research about them.

I hold it to be true it is a national disgrace and shames us a nation that not only is there a need for foodbanks but that need is increasing.

That makes me angry.

But it would appear not everyone shares my views on foodbanks.

Take, for example Conservative MP (and one of the hot favourites to take over as leader of the Conservative Party) Jacob Rees-Mogg.

When he was asked about the increase in foodbank usage in a radio interview, according to the BBC, Mr Rees-Mogg said the voluntary support given to food banks was ‘rather uplifting’ and ‘shows what a compassionate country we are’.

When he was challenged by a caller to the LBC radio station, Mr Rees-Mogg argued they fulfilled a vital function and said: “To have charitable support given by people voluntarily to support their fellow citizens I think is rather uplifting and shows what a good, compassionate country we are.”

He then went on to blame the previous Labour government for failing to inform people in need of their existence and that when the Tories came to power, they had allowed Jobcentre Plus to tell people about food banks.

He added: “Inevitably, the state can’t do everything, so I think that there is good within food banks.

“The real reason for the rise in numbers is that people know that they are there and Labour deliberately didn’t tell them.”

Ok, Mr Rees-Mogg is an intelligent man and is entitled to his opinion. But I happen to disagree with him.

Just look at the figures.

The Trussell Trust – the main food bank charity – gave out 61,500 food parcels in 2010-11. By 2016-17, the number handed out by the charity had risen to almost 1.2 million.

Locally, Warrington Foodbank issued 4,892 three-day emergency food supplies to people in crisis last year.

I don’t think those figures can be explained away by saying there’s greater awareness of foodbanks.

When it comes to foodbanks, the Trussell Trust is the real expert and earlier this year, it issued a disturbing report into the increased use.

The charity’s report, Early Warnings: Universal Credit and Foodbanks, highlights that although the rollout of the new Universal Credit system for administering benefits has been piecemeal so far, foodbanks in areas of partial or full rollout are reporting significant problems with its impact.

Key findings from the report reveal: Foodbanks in areas of full Universal Credit rollout have seen a 16.85 per cent average increase in referrals for emergency food.

The effect of a waiting period for a first Universal Credit payment of six weeks or more can be serious, leading to foodbank referrals, debt, mental health issues, rent arrears and eviction. These effects can last even after people receive their payments, as bills and debts pile up.

People in insecure or seasonal work are particularly affected, suggesting the work incentives in Universal Credit are not yet helping everyone.

Navigating the online system can be difficult for people struggling with computers or unable to afford telephone helplines. In some cases, the system does not register people’s claims correctly, invalidating it.

Trussell Trust data also reveal benefit delays and changes remain the biggest cause of referral to a foodbank but low income has also risen as a referral cause.

With the festive season a few weeks away, I can’t help but wonder what sort of Christmas Mr Rees-Mogg will enjoy in comparison to those relying on a foodbank Christmas.

But never mind, those people in need can rather be ‘uplifted’ and bask in the compassion of others as they have their foodbank festive lunch. And that’s why I’m angry.