Mhairi Black MP Introduces a Private Members Bill Tackling Sanctions

The report released today (Tuesday) found over 500,000 three-day emergency food supplies were given out across the UK in the first half of this year, and over 188,500 were for children. This is an increase of 2% overall, compared to the same time last year. 27% were referred primarily due to benefit delays, 25% due to low income and 16% due to benefit changes such as change of circumstance resulting in loss of income, or a sanction.

Mhairi Black has introduced a Private Members Bill regarding the unfair sanctions regime. The Benefit Claimants Sanctions (Required Assessment) Bill 2016-17 already has cross-party support from Tory MP Andrew Percy, Labour veteran Dennis Skinner, Plaid Cymru MP Liz Saville Roberts, Green MP Caroline Lucas and her fifty four SNP colleagues among others.