FIGURES released by the Trussell Trust this week have shown that foodbank use in Scotland has hit new record levels as the impact of what MP Roger Mullin described as 'failed austerity' continues to hit our communities.

The latest statistics from the Trussell Trust showed that 145,865 three-day emergency food supplies were provided by the network of 52 foodbanks across Scotland in 2016/17, including 47,955 for children – a 9% increase on 2015/16.

In the Cowdenbeath-Lochgelly area there are two food banks, based in Cowdenbeath and Crosshill.

Commenting, Roger Mullin, MP for Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath, said: “This week’s latest figures from the Trussell Trust highlights the devastating impact of Tory austerity on our communities. Kirkcaldy Foodbank has also seen a sharp increase in the number of food parcels handed out across the past year, with many clients reporting benefit delays and sanctions as the reason for their urgent need for assistance.

“I have helped a great number of constituents with benefit issues, including sanctions and delays, and have consistently voted in the House of Commons against any reduction in spending on welfare benefits. I lodged an Early Day Motion in March, stating that that the Government should ensure that the transition from Employment and Support Allowance to Jobseekers Allowance is seamless and that claimants should not be left without any source of income while transitioning between the two benefits."

He added: “Community foodbanks should not be forced to become the UK’s safety net for people experiencing financial hardship, that is currently the job of the UK Government.

"However, the UK Government has been determined to implement brutal cuts to the vital social security safety net, which has resulted in more and more people being forced to turn to foodbanks in order to survive.

“The Conservative Party’s divisive, extreme and ideologically-driven austerity obsession that is destroying our communities must not be tolerated.”