Fife charity’s McVey invite

A Fife MP has challenged the UK’s Work and Pensions Secretary Esther McVey to visit the area and learn about the impact Universal Credit is having on people’s lives.

Shadow Scotland secretary Lesley Laird, who represents Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath, invited Ms McVey to take part in a game of Universal Debit, a project created by the charity Fife Gingerbread.

The game puts players in the shoes of a single parent of two forced to make tough choices while waiting five weeks for their first Universal Credit payment.

The challenge comes after charities in Fife reported a sharp rise in people coming to them for help related to Universal Credit.

In a letter to Ms McVey, Ms Laird wrote: “Fife Gingerbread – along with many other charities I’ve visited in my constituency over recent weeks and months – report a sharp increase in clients adversely affected by Universal Credit.

“Kirkcaldy Foodbank – which is now issuing a record 1,000 parcels per month, thanks entirely to donations from the public and local businesses – says it is struggling to continue to meet demand and has appealed to politicians for urgent help.”

Rhona Cunningham, CEO of Fife Gingerbread, said: “I challenge anyone to play Universal Debit and then suggest that Universal Credit is anything other than a disgrace.”