Research by the Trussell Trust has shown that there has been a 52% increase in demand for foodbanks where Universal Credit has been rolled out

A foodbank has been given extra cash to deal with the impact of Universal Credit (UC).

Renfrewshire councillors have approved £30,000 funding to Renfrewshire Foodbank to reduce the impact of the controversial benefit reform, which has now completed its roll-out across Scotland.

The proposals to give the foodbank the money over a three year period were agreed at a meeting of the council on Wednesday (5 December).

UC – which combines six previous benefits on one - was introduced in Renfrewshire in September.

The benefit has been accused of causing misery owing to the long time it takes for claimants to receive cash and the fact that it’s online-only.

Its introduction has been blamed for pushing people towards foodbanks - research by the Trussell Trust has shown that there has been a 52% increase in demand for emergency food provision in areas where the new system has been in place for 12 months.

The foodbank, which has distribution centres in Paisley, Renfrew, Johnstone and Erskine, was set up by the Trussell Trust, which runs a large network across the country.

Renfrewshire Council’s finance convener John Shaw, said: “The introduction of Universal Credit by the UK government in other areas has put a lot of additional pressure on foodbanks with more demand from those most in need.

“This funding will help Renfrewshire Foodbank cope with any increased demand that may come, allowing it to continue supporting anyone in Renfrewshire that needs its help.”