A Service Update Report was presented to the Renfrewshire Council Communities and Housing Policy Board last week, which included information on the Income Advice for Renfrewshire Council tenants.
By the end of August 2024, over 3,227 Income Advice cases were held with households from Renfrewshire Council tenancies this financial year.
During interviews, staff assess any entitlements to assistance that are due, and support people to access the benefits they are eligible for, alongside giving advice on all money matters and budgeting. In monetary terms this equates to £6.7m between April and August this year, 2024.
“I was pleased to see the update on the income advice interviews and the positive benefits it has made to council tenants,” said Renfrewshire Councillor Kenny MacLaren.
“The ongoing cost of living crisis has put many households under a lot of financial pressure, and it is set to continue. With the Labour government deciding to continue with the two-child benefit gap and drastically reducing the number of pensioners who can access the Winter Fuel Payment, it is essential that everyone gets the benefits to which they are entitled.
“The interviews from the Income Support team has been invaluable for council tenants and I would encourage anyone who is struggling to contact this team and see if they can help.”
