MSP Allan highlights fears over foodbank report

ALASDAIR ALLAN, MSP for Na h-Eileanan an Iar, has voiced his concern following the publication of the Trussell Trust’s findings on foodbank use in the Western Isles.

In the islands, between April 2017 and March 2018, the report shows that there were 616 threeday emergency food supplies given to people facing crisis by the Trussell Trust Foodbank Network, with 227 going to children.

Across Scotland, the report found 170,625 three-day emergency food supplies to people in crisis, with 55,038 of these were provided for children.

Commenting, Dr Allan said the findings were a concern to everyone, and reflected the ‘sad and devastating legacy’ of the UK Government’s austerity agenda, which has now continued for the best part of a decade.

‘One referral here in the islands is one too many, never mind 616, as the report indicates,’ said Dr Allan.

‘Foodbanks are run by passionate individuals who seek to provide a safety net and act as a last resort for those living in poverty.

‘I commend the hard work of those involved, particularly with the foodbank in Stornoway and the newly established foodbank in Uist.

‘The UK Government’s austerity agenda, sanctions system and flawed Universal Credit rollout are making foodbank use far too everyday and common in our communities.

‘I fully support the Trussell Trust’s call for an urgent review into the Universal Credit rollout, and reiterate my call for the rollout to be halted immediately, before it reaches the Western Isles later this year.

‘With our limited powers over welfare, the Scottish Government is building a Scottish social security agency with dignity and respect at its heart.

‘Considerable support is being given to low-income families through the Scottish Welfare Fund too.

‘The findings of this report clearly show why we need full powers over social security in Scotland – not in the hands of the Tories.’