CAMPAIGNERS have urged every Scottish MP to back their call to end the benefits freeze.

The freeze for most working age benefits including Jobseekers allowance, Child Benefit and Universal Credit is estimated to cost Glasgow more than anywhere else in Scotland according to independent research.

A Sheffield Hallam University study found that the amount of cash lost in the city would be equal to £400 a year for every working age adult. Across Scotland the total amount lost is £300m.

The Poverty Alliance has asked each of Scotland’s 59 MPs to back their call to end the freeze which it says is causing even more hardship to already struggling families.

It has written to every SNP, Conservative, Labour and Liberal Democrat MP seeking their support to help take people out of poverty.

In place for more than two years the freeze is due to run for at least another three years until 2019/20.

Carla McCormack, policy and parliamentary officer at the Poverty Alliance, said: “Reversing the freeze on benefits would prevent many families from falling into poverty, and help lift others out of poverty.

“The freeze on working age benefits is expected to affect 700,000 families across Scotland, with an average loss of £450 per year.

“This is a substantial amount, especially for families on low incomes.”

She said the freeze combined with rising living costs will see many families unable to afford the basics.

Ms McCormack added: “For many families in Scotland, £450 is the difference between being able to afford their rent and not.

“The existence of poverty and inequality is bad for us all, and it is in all of our interests to tackle it.

“By reversing the freeze on benefits, we can help families in Scotland fulfil their full potential.”

The campaign also wants a £5 a week child benefit increase.

The Poverty Alliance said private sector tenants are being hit hard with the freeze on housing benefits with rents increasing and accounting for 70% of outgoings.

The Sheffield report found Glasgow hit hardest by the overall welfare reforms and twice as hard as the least affected council area.

The report stated: “It is to be expected that welfare reforms hit hardest in the places where welfare claimants are concentrated, which in turn tend to be the poorest areas with the highest rates of worklessness.”