East Renfrewshire’s MP has called for more support to be given to those struggling to cope with the cost of living.

Kirsten Oswald spoke out after a new report released by the Together Through the Crisis initiative revealed that one-quarter of households regularly run out of money for essentials and more than one-third consistently end the month with no money left.

The report, backed by charities Save the Children, Turns2us, Little Village, Shelter and 38 Degrees, prompted renewed calls from the SNP for the UK Government to extend energy bill support schemes, slash bills by at least 20% and scrap a planned rise of the energy price cap.

Figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show the UK Government spent less than it received in tax in the month, resulting in a public sector net borrowing surplus of £5.4billion.

Ms Oswald said: “Families in East Renfrewshire are suffering financially as the Tories fail to get a grip of rising bills and financial pressures while continuing to refuse to utilise what funds they have to offer up serious support.

“The UK Government recording a surprise budget surplus presents an excellent opportunity to right this wrong. They must use this money to slash energy bills by at least 20 per cent, strengthen existing support schemes and scrap the energy price cap rise.”