Tom Arthur, MSP for Renfrewshire South constituency, has today highlighted figures released by the Trussel Trust.
The annual statistics show that in Renfrewshire South between April 2017 and March 2018, 3566 three-day emergency food supplies were given to people facing crisis by the Trussell Trust Foodbank Network, with 1469 going to children.
Commenting on the figures, Tom Arthur said,
“These figures are incredibly disappointing to read, and it’s of great concern to see so many people in my constituency have required this help.
“The Trussell Trust have also highlighted that impact that Universal Credit rollout has on areas they serve, with a 53% increase in foodbank use where it has been fully implemented.
“With Universal Credit planned on being implemented in my constituency from September this year, I worry that this poorly implemented reform will impact on the most vulnerable.
“As my recent question to the Minister for Social Security showed, the Scottish Government is putting as much support in place as they can and supporting families through the Scottish Welfare Fund, but Universal Credit service must be improved.
“It is heart-breaking that children here have been reliant on food bank supplies, but I am forever grateful to the staff, volunteers and those who donate for helping those who require it, and my office continues to accept food bank donations.”