Moray SNP News

MORAY MP - 'TRUSSELL TRUST FIGURES EXPOSE THE FAILURE OF TORIES AUSTERITY AGENDA'

Moray’s MP Angus Robertson has commented on the latest foodbank usage figures published by the Trussell Trust, which he says exposes the failure of the Tories austerity agenda.

The figures show that, in Moray, 656 adults and 272 children were referred for food parcels over a six month period.

Angus Robertson MP said:

"These new figures are simply shameful. They expose the utter failure of the Tory austerity agenda. The fact that foodbank use continues to grow is a damning indictment of the UK Government’s record which should leave the Tories deeply ashamed.

“In Moray we see that between April and September Moray Foodbank handled 928 referrals for 3 day food parcels - a figure that includes 272 children. The Trussell Trust states that for overall foodbank use the most significant reason is problems with benefits.

“It is utterly shameful that the Tory’s changes to our welfare system are driving families so far into poverty that they cannot afford to eat. In Westminster the SNP have opposed the welfare changes that are contributing to extreme poverty and we continue to make proposals to alleviate food poverty.

“Organisations like the Moray Foodbank do an excellent job of providing for those who need it but they should not need to exist and I know from speaking to Foodbank volunteers that they would rather they didn’t have to provide such a service.

“I welcome the Trussell Trust’s analysis of these figures which helps us to look at further ways of tackling poverty. In the meantime the SNP will continue to press the Government on welfare support issues at every opportunity.”