CALLS for urgent welfare reform have been echoed by Clydebank’s MSP.

A report published by the Scottish Parliament’s social security committee has called for the urgent reversal of UK government welfare cuts that have caused “significant damage” to the income of working Scots.

Introduced by the Tories in 2016, the working-age benefit freeze gives a real-terms cut to households claiming benefits such as Universal Credit, housing benefit, child tax credits, and tax credits – forcing families to bear the brunt of what will be an estimated £3.7 billion in cuts by 2020.

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The ‘Social Security and In-Work Poverty’ report found that, “the benefits freeze has a disproportionate impact on the poorest and those in most need.”

The report has also urged the UK government to re-think its controversial Universal Credit system, backing calls to end the five-week waiting period for first-time claimants to receive a payment – suggesting a maximum of two weeks would be more appropriate.

The report continued, stating that “Universal Credit is a significant cause of the rise in demand for food bank services.”

The Trussell Trust, Britain’s largest foodbank charity, recently came forward with figures that show a 52 per cent increase in demand at local foodbanks in the 12 months after the roll-out reaches an area.

MSP Gil Paterson said: “Here in Clydebank, and across Scotland, some families are struggling with daily living costs and falling behind on rent payments thanks to the Tories damaging welfare policies.

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“More and more households simply can’t get by – forcing many of those on Universal Credit to rely on emergency welfare support and foodbanks to feed themselves in one of the richest countries in the world.

“The Tory government in Westminster cannot continue to stick their heads in the sand - it’s time to listen to the pleas from claimants, campaigners and charity groups for root and branch reform of Universal Credit and an end the benefits freeze.”