Stuart McMillan MSP (SNP) has today (Friday) highlighted reports that foodbank use in Scotland reached record levels in December have been described as showing an appalling lack of concern at Westminster for the impact of its actions.
The BBC has reported that 10,489 people visited one of the Trussell Trust’s 48 foodbanks in Scotland in December, a 13 per cent increase on the 9,263 people the previous year and the highest figure yet recorded by the charity.
One third of those who visited the foodbanks were children.
Mr McMillan said;
“The fact that record numbers of people in Scotland had to rely on foodbanks last month is heart-breaking. Having visited Helensburgh foodbank I am aware of the continued rise in the number of people who are turning to them for support, during difficult times.
“It is abundantly clear the welfare cuts that the Westminster Government has inflicted on people across Scotland have directly contributed to the dramatic rise in the number of people forced to rely on foodbanks to survive.
“When UK ministers refuse time and time again to appear in front of the Scottish Parliament to justify their actions, it is difficult to escape the conclusion that they simply do not care about the damage they are doing.
“It underlines why Westminster cannot be trusted to make welfare decisions for Scotland.”
The BBC’s report on the increase in the use of Trussell Trust foodbanks can be viewed at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-30832524
No comments:
Post a Comment