ISLAMIC RELIEF  UK  has called on the government to help families affected by the cost-of-living crisis as the charity begins to deliver 12,000 food packs across Britain this month.

The charity urged the government to bring back the £20 universal credit uplift permanently and to temporarily pause debt deductions from benefits to help with food and energy costs.

Its partners across the country have reported a significant increase in the use of foodbanks and their staff being overwhelmed by the need.