CHARITIES called on Holyrood yesterday to do more for poorer families today before the foodbank crisis hits Scotland.

A new report by the Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG), Trussell Trust and Oxfam Scotland found that gaps to the social security safety net have led thousands of people to resort to charity.

CPAG Scotland director John Dickie said: “Foodbank use and income crisis is increasing, largely as the result of changes to the social security system implemented by the Westminster government.

“Regardless of what is triggering the income crisis, local authorities, the Scottish government and employers have a real opportunity to do more to protect the health and wellbeing of children and families.

“We urge the Scottish government to listen to the often distressing stories told in this report and take a harder look at what could be done here and now to help hard-pressed families in the face of a failing UK social security system.”