Rutherglen MSP challenges UK Government after record foodbank usage figures

dailyrecord.co.uk:

The MSP for Rutherglen has challenged the UK Government to use the autumn Budget to reverse rising levels of poverty in the UK as new figures show record foodbank usage in the UK.The data, published on November 8 by the Trussell Trust, shows more than 128,490 emergency food parcels were distributed in Scotland over the past six months (April 1 to September 30) – with 1.5 million provided across the UK.In South Lanarkshire, across the same time period, the total number of parcels distributed increased from 5,159 last year to 7.095 this year – of which 3,189 were parcels for children, an increase of around 400 on the 12 months previous.The Lanarkshire Live app is available to download now.

Get all the news from your area – as well as features, entertainment, sport and the latest on Lanarkshire’s recovery from the coronavirus pandemic – straight to your fingertips, 24/7.The free download features the latest breaking news and exclusive stories, and allows you to customise your page to the sections that matter most to you.Head to the App Store and never miss a beat in Lanarkshire - iOS - Android Of the four UK nations, the number of parcels distributed in the Trussell Trust network increased by 23 percent in Northern Ireland, 16 percent in England, 15 percent in Wales, and Scotland had the lowest change of 9 percent.The research also shows that 68 percent of people referred to Trussell Trust food banks in receipt of Universal Credit in Scotland have money automatically deducted from their payments.

Many recipients take out upfront loans from the DWP due to the significant five week wait for their first Universal Credit payment – and this money is then reclaimed by the UK government.Rutherglen MSP Clare Haughey has urged