A series of measures intended to tackle poverty and support households in Renfrewshire amid the brutal cost-of-living crisis have been agreed.
A comprehensive package of support – worth in excess of £1 million – was given the green light by councillors at a leadership board meeting.
More than £800,000 will be spent on extending a range of projects, which include early years and family support services, funding to help with the cost of the school day, breakfast clubs and energy advice.
On top of that, £140,000 has been allocated to develop a dedicated team to offer income advice to families – an initiative that will be piloted for an initial period of one year.
Additionally, £42,000 will go towards Renfrewshire Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) to extend its welfare rights project for a year, £20,000 to prolong a fuel insecurity pilot for six months and around £5,000 for a project as part of the recovery change fund.
The CAB previously revealed that enquiries relating to energy bills support had increased by 650 per cent in comparison to the same period last year.
SNP council leader Iain Nicolson said after the meeting: “While there are some signs the economy may soon start to improve, the situation for many households is still extremely challenging.
“One of my administration’s priorities is supporting our communities through this cost-of-living crisis and we allocated funds in our recent council budget for this.
“On top of the current pressures, everyday items have become far more expensive, and families and households are also still dealing with the impact of harm from the pandemic on their livelihoods and savings.
“We want to make sure that everyone, whoever needs it, can access sound advice.
“Advisers at Renfrewshire Citizens Advice Bureau and the council’s Advice Works teams can look at where money is being spent and look at alternative options to save money and ensure anyone who is entitled to benefits or financial support is getting it.
“Every extra penny counts and even saving a little bit of money or making sure you’re getting all the financial support available can make a big difference.”
Councillor Iain McMillan, Labour group leader, told the meeting: “I don’t think we’ve even hit the highest level of this cost-of-living crisis in terms of its effect on people.
“For me, certainly the concern was people sitting in the cold and also cutting down on food, having smaller portions or skipping meals, which is obviously very distressing, but I do think the council is facing the challenge well.
“Officers are extremely good at producing reports and I think the officers that we have do genuinely care.
“It’s not just a job to them. They do care what’s happening out in our communities.”
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