East Renfrewshire’s MP has raised concerns over a “cost-of-living crisis” faced by thousands of her constituents.

Kirsten Oswald spoke out during a debate in the House of Commons at a time when consumer prices are being pushed up by a growing rate of inflation and many local residents are struggling to cope with a significant rise in fuel bills.

She also hit out at the UK Government over benefit cuts and an increase in National Insurance payments.

Ms Oswald said: “It is not some random accident that is leading families in East Renfrewshire into a cost-of-living crisis. Tory Government choices have propelled us down this road.

“It was their choice to cut the £20 Universal Credit uplift and to increase National Insurance charges, which will hit low-paid workers hard.

“The Tories chose to remove the pensions triple lock, in breach of their own manifesto commitment, while moving quickly to write off £4.3billion in fraudulently-claimed Covid business funding.

“The UK Government know that, as the cost of living rises, propelled by their policy choices, many more people are in significant hardship – but they just don’t care.”

However, a spokesman for the Treasury said the UK Government is providing around £12billion worth of support this financial year and next to help families with the cost of living.

He added: “We’re cutting the Universal Credit taper to make sure work pays, freezing alcohol and fuel duties to keep costs down and providing targeted support to help households with their energy bills.”