EAST Lothian Foodbank is appealing for community help to spread the word about plans to cut Universal Credit by £20 next month.

The foodbank, on Civic Square in Tranent, took to its Facebook page to ask for assistance from its supporters as it calls for the planned reduction to be scrapped.

They said: “The UK Government is planning to cut Universal Credit by £20 a week this October – for some families, this will mean suddenly losing up to a fifth of their income.

“Last year, we gave out 3,078 parcels and we’re concerned this cut will mean even more people in our community will need our foodbank later this year.

“More than a million people say they are very likely to need a foodbank if this cut goes ahead.”

The foodbank continued to thank the community for their support during the Covid-19 pandemic but urged people to get involved and take action against the cut.

They said: “Your support has meant we’ve been able to continue providing vital emergency food and help to local people struggling to afford essentials against the backdrop of the pandemic.

“While people need us, we’re determined to be here for them but we don’t think it’s right that anyone in our community is struggling to afford the essentials.

“This isn’t the kind of society we want to live in. That’s why we’re asking you to stand with us and help protect more people from needing the foodbank’s help later this year.”

East Lothian Foodbank is urging people to get involved in four ways: spread the word; write to a local politician; let friends and family know; and join an online campaign event.

In response to the pandemic, a temporary £20 increase to universal credit payments was introduced. The scheme officially ends on October 6.

As the economy opens up, the UK Government says that focus needs to shift to getting people back to work.

For more information, visit eastlo thian.foodbank.org.uk/2021/08/19/keep-the-lifeline