SCHOOL UNIFORM BANKS

Early day motion 384, tabled 7 September 2015 by Kirsten Oswald (Scottish National Party). Signed by 40 members.

That this House notes the emerging network of volunteer-run Back to School Banks aimed at helping families affected by benefits cuts, unemployment, or low pay by equipping children with school uniforms and other essentials such as bags and pencils; recognises the contribution of Sandra Douglas of East Renfrewshire and Deborah Shepherd of East Dunbartonshire both of whom have worked to meet the need for such an initiative in their local area and have also responded to calls for support and advice from Back to School Banks all over Scotland; and considers that the growing reliance on voluntary and charitable bodies such as Food Banks and Back to School Banks to provide the basic necessities for families, including some with at least one member of the household in employment is indicative of growing inequality and is a diminution of the pooling and sharing of resources highlighted during the 2014 referendum campaign as one of the strengths of the UK.

Signatures by party: Scottish National Party 37, Plaid Cymru 3.