MP scathing as families forced to share a bed

A Renfrewshire MP has hit out after a report found one in seven families are forced to share a bed because they can’t afford another for their child.

The research – conducted by the children’s charity Barnardo’s – also found that nearly one in three parents are worried about being made homeless.

Meanwhile, almost half are concerned about keeping their home warm.

New figures come alongside a survey from the consumer insight tracker Which? that found almost one in 10 households have prioritised meals for other family members, with four per cent needing to use a food bank.

The findings were branded“utterly scandalous”by Paisley and Renfrewshire North MP Gavin Newlands as Jeremy Hunt, the Chancellor, prepares to deliver the budget tomorrow.

He insisted:“The only way to protect Scottish households from the ongoing Tory-made cost of living crisis is through independence.

“Scotland is an energy-rich country yet, due to continued Westminster control, finds itself fuel poor.

“It is utterly scandalous that any household in a country as wealthy as ours is forced to choose between heating and eating, yet that is exactly what successive UK governments, Labour and Tory, have dragged our society down to.

“This latest analysis proves the lengths families are going to, to support their loved ones. That is why it is vital the Chancellor delivers a comprehensive package of support to help household incomes, including slashing energy bills by £1,400.”

Mr Newlands also called for public sector pay and benefits to increase in line with the Consumer Prices Index (CPI).