A MILFORD Haven-based food bank has had its hardest summer yet, as local families struggled to cope with the extra pressure caused by missed tax credit payments.

Pembrokeshire Action To Combat Hardship (PATCH) has been inundated with referrals throughout the summer holidays - usually one of its quietest periods - helping up to 40 people a day.

On Tuesday, HMRC said it would not renew its contract with US firm Concentrix, which was employed by the government to cut tax credit fraud and overpayment.

The firm won a £75million contract to try to save the government more than £1billion in incorrect or fraudulent payments.

But HMRC chief executive Jon Thompson said: "While it's right that we ensure tax credit customers only receive the money to which they're entitled, it is vital that those customers have a high level of service."

Around 120 cases were found to not meet the performance standards laid out in Concentrix's contact, but the actual figure is feared to be much higher.

Tracy Olin, PATCH co-ordinator, said: “Usually we don’t get that many referrals in the summer holidays, but with tax credits it’s gone ballistic.

“It’s a double whammy because you need more money but you’re getting less.”

She said the problems arising from missing out on just one benefit payment could be “huge”.

“I’d say at least 50 per cent of our referrals at the moment are tax credit issues," she said.

She said families were sometimes going weeks without any money while they tried to resolve benefit issues.

"Many families are living hand to mouth, so any break in income can have a massive impact.

“People who are on benefits, once the tax credits stop, they’re on such a limited income that it can make them topple over and get into debt.”

Said the issue just as often affected those who were earning a wage and also claiming benefits.

“We do forget the working poor quite often,” she said.

"We had a lady come to us who was so distraught, and we were able to give her two weeks’ worth of food, because that’s how long she was going to be without money," she said.

Mrs Olin said she "could not recommend enough" charities like Citizens Advice, which holds appointments at PATCH's Havens Head headquarters every Thursday.

“I don’t know how people would survive without them as well," she said, but added that they were also "stretched" in terms of resources.

Tordy Jones, 41, has volunteered with PATCh for four years, after being referred to service herself.

She said the work PATCH did, supplying families with food parcels, clothing, bedding and household essentials, was a real lifeline for clients.

Remembered her own first visit to PATCH, she said: “I was so brightened by it all.

“It bought tears to my eyes what they gave us for food.

“I didn't know which way to turn at the time.

“We were having to choose between putting a pound in the meter or buying milk for breakfast for daughter.”

She said the summer holidays could be especially hard for families, many of whom cannot afford to drive or enjoy days out.

This, she said, added extra emotional pressure on families who were already feeling hopeless.

But she said PATCH's team of loyal and sensitive volunteers could help guide people through difficult times.

"We're a funny crew and we have a laugh and a giggle and try to cheer people up," she said.

"I think it's great that when people leave here they've got a smile on their face.

"I know what it's like to come in the door depressed, but I think PATCH makes people realise there is a light at the end of the tunnel."

To find out you can help PATCH support local people, visit patchcharity.org.uk.

The charity accepts donations of tinned and dried food, clothing, and household essentials.