COUNCILLORS in Glasgow are being asked to back a campaign to up Child Benefit.

Child Poverty Action Group leads the Give me 5 campaign for the increase to lift thousands out of poverty.

Aileen McKenzie, councillor for Springburn/Robroyston is urging fellow councillors of all parties to back the call.

She said: “One-in-three children across Glasgow are estimated to be living in poverty and Christmas puts extra pressure on families, but it doesn’t have to be that way for those 37,000 kids.”

CPAG said an extra £5 a week would pay for seven nutritious breakfasts of cereal, milk, fruit juice and a banana or over two months pay for a good quality winter coat.

Ms McKenzie added: “As a universal benefit for all children and straightforward to claim, child benefit take-up is consistently high, providing families with secure and reliable financial support.”

“Backing the ‘Give Me Five’ campaign and £5 extra each week could make a significant difference to families, lifting up to 30,000 children out of poverty now across Scotland.”