The rising number of deductions from Universal Credit payments in Essex highlights the growing issue of financial hardship faced by families. The deductions, which average £63 per month, are often used to repay upfront loans taken by individuals while waiting for their first Universal Credit payment. This practice has led to an increase in the number of people relying on food banks and struggling to make ends meet. SNP MP Chris Stephens is proposing legislation to prohibit deductions that result in people being forced to rely on food banks, calling for an end to this injustice.