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Motion · S5M-20194 · 9 Dec 2019

The Trussell Trust

Lodged by Christine Grahame Standard Motion 16 supporters

The motion

That the Parliament notes with concern new figures from the Trussell Trust, which record that food bank usage in Midlothian more than doubled during Christmas 2018, leading the charity to predict that 2019 will be its busiest ever festive period; understands that 951 three-day emergency food parcels were handed out in Midlothian last year, including 490 to children; recognises that there are a number of other food banks in the area that are not affiliated with the Trust, meaning that the amount of people seeking help in the area will likely be much higher; notes that the charity’s own data shows that the main reasons cited for people needing emergency food in Scotland are low benefit income (38%), and delays (19%) and changes (17%) to benefits being paid; believes that no-one in Midlothian or elsewhere across the UK should be unable to eat at Christmas or any other time, and that, in light of this, the UK Government must urgently reform its welfare policies, and thanks the staff and volunteers at food banks for their valuable work in the meantime.

Supporters (16)

Source: the Scottish Parliament motions and amendments record.