Fairer Renfrewshire Update
Renfrewshire Council · 18 February 2026
Back to Leadership Board — 18 February 2026 and its agenda
Text extracted from the council's PDF. Layout and reading order may differ from the original.
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PUBLIC ______________________________________________________________________________ To: Leadership Board On: 18 February 2026 ______________________________________________________________________________ Report by: Chief Executive ______________________________________________________________________________ Heading: Fairer Renfrewshire Update ______________________________________________________________________________ 1. Summary 1.1 The Council and its partners continue to work together to progress the Fairer Renfrewshire Programme, with a strong shared focus currently on the local response to the cost-of-living crisis. 1.2 This paper provides: • a summary of the issues as reported to the Fairer Renfrewshire Sub-Committee on 28 January 2026 including the cost of living and programme updates. • Details of the recent Equalities Outcomes consultation and planned next steps. • An update with regard to the Winter Connections Programme, with the detail of funding awards provided at Appendix 1. _____________________________________________________________________________ 2. Recommendations 2.1 It is recommended that elected members: • Note the content of the report and the work being undertaken to progress the Fairer Renfrewshire programme. • Note the update provided on the Winter Connections programme in Section 5, with detailed information on all funded applications provided in Appendix 1. ______________________________________________________________________________ 3. Background 3.1. The Fairer Renfrewshire Programme was developed in order to bring together targeted programmes of work being progressed by the Council and its partners to tackle poverty and inequality in Renfrewshire. As the cost of living crisis has developed, the programme has
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PUBLIC continued to evolve in response, and at Leadership Board on 3 December 2025, a Fairer Renfrewshire Action Plan detailing the priorities and programme of work to be undertaken over the next 18-24 months was approved. This plan refreshes and sharpens focus on the priorities for the Fairer Renfrewshire Programme. 3.2. Over the next two years, we will concentrate on four strategic priorities: • Improving Financial Security Helping households maximise income, reduce costs, and access early help to prevent crisis. • Strengthening Health, Wellbeing and Community Supporting families and communities through sustainable models of care, food security, and place-based approaches. • Embedding Equality and Inclusion Ensuring services are accessible, inclusive, and shaped by the voices of those who are often unheard. • Using Insight and Evidence for Impact Harnessing data, feedback, and lived experience to drive better decisions and deliver measurable change. 3.3. Regular updates on the programme are provided to the Fairer Renfrewshire sub-committee and subsequently to the Leadership Board. 4. Update from the Fairer Renfrewshire Sub-Committee 4.1 At its meeting on 28 January 2026, the sub-committee considered: • The most recent programme update including information on recent statistics and research in relation to the cost-of-living crisis, including the dashboard developed locally. • Progress updates in relation to family advice provision, Community Development in Gallowhill, Fair Food Renfrewshire and the Fairer Renfrewshire Panel. 4.2 Officers gather information from a variety of sources at both a local and national level to inform discussion at the sub-committee. Key statistics and information discussed at its most recent meeting are provided in table 1 below. Table 1 Key National Statistics • The rate of inflation is standing at 3.4% in December, rising from 3.2% the previous month and has been above the target rate of 2% set by the UK Government for the Bank of England since October 2024, when it reached 2.3%.
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PUBLIC • The inflation rate for food has increased to 4.5% in December, after hitting 4.2% in November. It remains higher than overall inflation. • The Bank of England interest rate was reduced to 3.75% in December after being 4% since August 2025. A decision was made to hold rates on 5 February 2026. • The Energy Price Cap, originally introduced by Ofgem in January 2019 to set limits on the underlying rates energy suppliers, is currently set at £1,758 from 1 January 2026, a 0.2% increase on the £1,775 in the previous quarter. Cost of living research (national) The latest insights into the cost of living from the Office of National Statistics for the period 5th to 30th November 2025 found: • that 88% of those surveyed reported the cost of living as the most important issue facing the UK today, an increase of 1% in the August figure last reported, and around 61% reported that their cost of living had increased compared with a month ago. • that the most commonly reported reason given by adults in the latest period for a rise in their cost of living remains the price of their food shop at 95% (previously 96%), which has been the case since they first asked the question in November 2021. • The proportion of adults reporting that a reason for their cost-of-living increases was the price of their energy bills at 68%, has increased from the 59% reported in August 2025. • Over one in three (34%) adults reported that they believed they would be unable to save any money in the next 12 months. This has remained stable in the past year. • More than one in three (36%) adults who paid energy bills reported that they found these bills very or somewhat difficult. This has fallen from a peak of almost half (49%) of adults in May 2023, however is an increase on the 31% last reported. • 22% of adults have had to borrow money or use more credit in the last month compared to a year ago. • 43% of people are shopping around more, 39% spending less on food and essentials and 60% spending less on non-essentials, while 29% are using savings because of cost of living pressures. • The ONS also publishes statistics for the UK on Direct Debit failure. The most recent statistics for November 2025 shows a default rate on loans of 4.70%. This is the 3rd highest rate since records began in January 2019. • With regard to Electricity and Gas Direct Debits, the default rate is 2.73%, slightly down on the 3% last reported, and the 4th highest rate ever recorded since records began in 2019. Employment and Income • According to the ONS, the Claimant Count in November 2025, which is taken from JobcentrePlus administration systems, for those claiming unemployment- related benefits in Renfrewshire is 3,185 people – 1905 men and 1280 women aged between 16 and 64. This is a reduction from 3,330 last reported. The Renfrewshire unemployment rate of 2.7% is less than the Scotland rate (3.5%).
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PUBLIC • Over the long term, average weekly earnings for both total and regular pay show a steady increase. Average weekly earnings were estimated at £739 for total earnings and £687 for regular earnings in July 2025. Food costs / insecurity • The latest figures show that food and drink inflation has increased to 4.5%, up from 4.2%, a significant increase in costs for consumers. • Renfrewshire Foodbank issued 1,315 vouchers in Quarter 3 of 2025/26, a slight decrease on the 1,332 vouchers issued during the same quarter last year. The vouchers covered 1,712 adults and 918 children this year, which was an increase in the total number receiving assistance compared to the same quarter last year (1,705 adults and 782 children). The number of vouchers this quarter is slightly less than last quarter when 1396 vouchers were issued covering 1841 adults and 934 children. • The rising costs of essentials remains the most commonly cited factor in the reason for voucher issue in Renfrewshire, at 551 times. This is compared to the second most cited factor, other unexpected expense at 190 times. Housing • Private rent prices in Renfrewshire rose to an average of £832 in November 2025, an annual increase of 7.1% from £777 in November 2024. 5. Fairer Renfrewshire Programme Update 5.1 Since the last update to Leadership Board in December 2025, a range of activities have continued to be progressed by officers and partners. A summary is provided in the sections below. Improving Financial Security School Support and Family Advice Service 5.2 Between 1 October and the 31st of December 2025, the School Support Service assisted 33 clients. These clients made a combined 53 individual contacts. Appointment levels in Q3 were lower than typically expected, due to adviser absence and the festive closure. 5.3 Total client financial gains (CFGs) for the period were £48,189.42 achieved across 21 clients. This included £25,324.21 relating to Universal Credit, £13,712.30 from Adult Disability Payment (Daily Living), and £7,066.80 from Attendance Allowance. Additional gains were also achieved through Council Tax reductions (£1,349.11), energy advice (£287), and charitable support, including Foodbank referrals. 5.4 In terms of advice demand, benefits remained the most common advice area, followed by housing and education-related enquiries, reflecting ongoing pressures on families around household costs and disability-related needs. A significant proportion of clients supported were single-parent families (39.4%) and families with children with disabilities (27.3%), which continues to be a consistent theme within the service.
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PUBLIC 5.5 Looking ahead to Q4, expectation is that the number of clients supported will increase, as service capacity has returned to normal levels. 5.6 For quarter 3 of 25/26, Advice Works reported 113 referrals for their Family Advice Service. Client Financial Gain for the quarter for Family Advice is £4,164.60, with the total for the year so far being £63,904.10, however even in cases where a client speaks to an adviser and there is no financial gain made, the client benefits from the reassurance of a benefit check, with 104 of these completed during the quarter. Meeting with Advice Works also opens discussion on all financial matters that may be worrying the client, such as debts and budgeting. Strengthening Health, Wellbeing and Community Community Development in Gallowhill 5.7 At Leadership Board on 4 December, £50,000 of Fairer Renfrewshire funding was allocated in grant funding to Active Communities to support the continuation of community development activity in Gallowhill following the publication of the earlier Community Needs Assessment which took place in the area. This is intended to provide capacity to support the development and implementation of actions emerging from the community needs assessment and continue to improve and expand community led activity and infrastructure in the area. 5.8 Due to staffing changes, a new community development officer (CDO) was successfully recruited and started at the beginning of January 2026. Officers, however, have continued to work with Active Communities, and using the Community Needs Assessment are prioritising areas of work which will make a difference to the community. A meeting with Transport colleagues took place in November 2025, and it has been agreed that Shopmobility will support a free, comprehensive accessibility survey in the area. 5.9 The remaining funding will support this part-time CDO post for one year, with Active Communities also part funding the post to carry out a community needs assessment in the Howwood Road area of Johnstone. Officers have been working with Active Communities to gather data for the area to support this piece of work and will examine what supports could be made available, for example advice, within the Housing Regeneration Team’s premises in the area. 5.10 Active Communities received an ex-mobile bank vehicle from Royal Bank of Scotland in December and utilising funding through the Sustainable Communities Fund and other funders, will transform this into a mobile pantry which will reach areas within Gallowhill with no current access to public transport. The van will also be used to take services, for example advice provision, out into the community. This van will also be utilised in the Howwood Road area of Johnstone.
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PUBLIC Winter Connections 5.11 At Leadership Board in May 2025, it was agreed that £75,000 of funding be allocated from Fairer Renfrewshire programme to provide small grants to local organisations to support a Winter Connections programme in partnership with local organisations. The programme aims to encourage people to connect and participate in activities in warm and welcoming spaces across communities in Renfrewshire. 5.12 The funding will support local community and voluntary organisations with the additional costs of making venues, activities and sessions open as part of the programme, such as equipment, food, energy costs, and rent and funded activities must fit the criteria of Winter Connections and be: • Open, free and easy to access (although this can mean open to all within a particular age or targeted group) • Inclusive, welcoming, respectful, and safe • Able or willing to provide connections to other services and supports • Able to offer warm drinks/snacks/food along with activities, where possible 5.13 The Winter Connections programme opened for applications on 22 September 2026. Due to the number of applicants, it was suspended on 6 October by which time 47 applications been received. The applications had a good geographical spread across Renfrewshire, with five of the villages currently represented, as well as Renfrew, Johnstone and Linwood and various areas in Paisley. They also offered a wide range of activities across different days and times. 5.14 The applications were assessed by a panel consisting of officers from Renfrewshire Council, Renfrewshire Health and Social Care Partnership and Engage Renfrewshire, with authority delegated to the Head of Policy and Partnerships to award grants in consultation with the Council Leader. 5.15 OneRen Libraries have also received funding to support activities in areas where there are no Winter Connections projects, eg. Bishopton, and also to provide hot drinks and cup a soups across all libraries. This provision has been very much welcomed in past years, encouraging people to take part in activities in the libraries programme, and stay and socialise with others. 5.16 A full list of awards and activities is at Appendix 1. Fair Food Renfrewshire/Good Food Nation 5.17 On 17 December 2025, the Scottish Government provided an update on the publication of the national Good Food Nation Plan, that the first national Good Food Nation Plan has now been published and formally laid before the Scottish Parliament. It outlines six over-arching outcomes, Scottish Government food-related policies in place to achieve these Outcomes
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PUBLIC and the measures they will use to assess progress. The publication of the national Good Food Nation Plan is important for relevant authorities because there is a statutory duty on relevant authorities to have regard to the national Plan when preparing their own respective Good Food Nation Plans. 5.18 Officers continue to attend relevant events to support the work of Fair Food Renfrewshire and around the Good Food Nation (Scotland) Act 2022. Section 10 of the Act, which is not yet in force, requires each relevant authority, to publish a local Good Food Nation Plan within a period of 12 months, starting from the date upon which section 10 is commenced. 5.19 Following concerns raised by relevant authorities that 12 months might not be long enough to develop and publish their local Good Food Nation Plans, Scottish Government requested feedback on what an appropriate length of time might be. From this, they have agreed 24 months is the preferred timeline for developing and publishing the local Good Food Nation Plans, and they are currently considering legislative and non-legislative mechanisms to provide 12 months’ advance notice of the commencement of section 10. This would provide relevant authorities a total of 24 months to publish their local Good Food Nation Plans. 5.20 The update advises that the Scottish Government will let local authorities know as soon as possible when they intend to commence section 10 and guidance will be available to support with drafting and consultation. In addition, on 15 January 2026 a survey was received from the Good Food nation team within the Scottish Government for them to gain a better understanding of the processes by which these Local Good Food nation plans would be produced in local authorities and health boards and how they can most effectively support relevant authorities in fulfilling their legislative duties. Renfrewshire Foodbank 5.21 At December’s Council meeting, funding of £10,000 was approved to Renfrewshire Foodbank to support them over the winter period which will be drawn from Fairer Renfrewshire funding. Officers are working with the Foodbank to swiftly administer the grant. 5.22 Statistical information around clients and reasons for Foodbank voucher issue will continue to be collected on a quarterly basis. Officers also intend to work with the Foodbank this quarter on referral pathways in line with the Fairer Renfrewshire Action Plan. Renfrewshire Community Food Education Small Grants 5.23 The Renfrewshire Community Food Education Small Grants fund opened on 14 January 2026. This is a £10,000 fund for organisations based in Renfrewshire to deliver food education sessions that increase understanding and confidence to make healthier food choices and improve practical cooking skills. 5.24 The fund is being delivered by Renfrewshire HSCP Health Improvement Team, and is available to voluntary sector organisations, community groups, food pantries and local food
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PUBLIC initiatives. Applications can be made for grants of up to £1,000 to support embedding community food education within organisations. This may be through developing a new project or incorporating food education into an existing project or initiative. This might include, but is not limited to: • Costs associated with delivery of food education sessions such as training materials and resources. • Support with costs of food and/or equipment, including transportation of these. • Costs associated with premises, including equipment and/or storage. 5.25 The aim of the fund is to promote healthier eating habits through improved food literacy and practical cooking skills, in line with the Good Food Nation Plan and local health improvement priorities. Initiatives should empower communities to make informed food choices and reduce health inequalities. The last date for applications to the fund is 4th February 2026. Embedding Equality and Inclusion Equalities Outcomes Consultation 5.26 In May 2025 Council approved a set of draft Equality Outcomes for 2025-2029, based on data, evidence and insight into the inequalities that exist in Renfrewshire. The six draft equality outcomes are: • Outcome 1: New Scots feel welcomed, supported, and have equal opportunities to thrive in our communities. • Outcome 2: Disabled and older people experience improved access to public buildings, services, and transport, ensuring greater independence and participation in community life. • Outcome 3: Improved economic prospects for women, ethnic minority people and disabled people. • Outcome 4: All residents can access information and services in an inclusive and accessible manner. • Outcome 5: Our workforce better reflects the diversity of our community, in terms of ethnicity and disability. • Outcome 6: People with lived experience of inequality and exclusion will be more involved in informing and co-designing policy and practice that affects them. 5.27 These draft Outcomes were subject to a full consultation throughout from September to October 2025. In total 162 people responded to the consultation, with 101 being engaged face-to-face and 61 providing written responses.
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PUBLIC 5.28 Despite the relatively small sample size in responses (particularly to the online survey), the consultation feedback shows rich and meaningful engagement, with the face-to-face session taking place within equalities groups and with the Fairer Renfrewshire Panel. These discussions will provide the foundation for ongoing dialogue. 5.29 Information was gathered across the 6 Equality Outcomes on areas of good practice as well as seeking to identify the barriers to realising each equality outcome. From the consultation responses, a supporting action plan is being developed which includes actions across Council Services and with partners. The Action Plan reflects actions from a several existing council service strategies and plans, illustrating the work that many services are already undertaking to address equality concerns raised by the community. In addition to this, a number of new actions have been identified from consultation findings and in consultation with Council services. 5.30 A summary of the consultation findings and action plan will be submitted to the Leadership Board at a future date for consideration. Using Insight and Evidence for Impact Lived Experience Panel 5.31 Elected Members have been given a number of updates relating to work of the Fairer Renfrewshire Panel. Since the last Leadership Board, the Panel have met with the group who are working on actions from the most recent NHSGGC Health and Wellbeing survey. Led by the HSCP, and including Council officers and Engage Renfrewshire, this group has developed an action plan around priorities raised by the Fairer Renfrewshire Panel, with updates provided to the Panel at a meeting in early December. 5.32 The Panel also met with the Convenor and Depute of the Fairer Renfrewshire Sub- Committee in December 2025 to discuss the Fairer Renfrewshire Action Plan and other issues and in January with officers regarding school meals and ParentPay in January. 5.33 Looking forward, the Panel will meet the Chief Officer of Renfrewshire HSCP and officers developing a Climate Adaption Plan in February and the Community Justice Lead Officer in March. 6 Fairer Renfrewshire Programme 2026/2027 6.1 Members are asked to note that work is underway to bring forward proposals for Fairer Renfrewshire programme funding to be allocated for 26/27. As detailed within the Fairer Renfrewshire Action Plan, work is underway to evaluate 25/26 projects and assess options for future delivery of a number of projects. Details of these evaluations will be reported to the Fairer Renfrewshire Sub-Committee and the proposed 26/27 programme will then be presented to a future Leadership Board for approval.
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PUBLIC 6.2 As reported to the Fairer Renfrewshire Sub-Committee, the Scottish budget announcement on 13th January 2026 contained several measures likely to impact on households’ income and expenditure, or with implications for the Council’s Fairer Renfrewshire Action Plan. Detail on the implementation and potential impact of budget commitments will require further analysis in due course, but it is noted that the publication of the Child Poverty Delivery Plan anticipated this Spring may provide further detail on several budget measures. _______________________________________________________________________________ Implications of the Report 1. Financial – none 2. HR & Organisational Development – none 3. Community/Council Planning – This report provides a summary of current partnership activities being progressed through the Fairer Renfrewshire programme, with a key focus on tackling the inequalities that exist in Renfrewshire. 4. Legal - none 5. Property/Assets - none 6. Information Technology - none 7. Equality and Human Rights – The report provides an overview of the position around household income and expenditure, and is for noting. As such there are no impacts arising from the recommendation of this paper. It is however important to note that impacts on households explored within this paper are likely to be disproportionately felt by equality groups. 8. Health and Safety - none 9. Procurement – none 10. Risk – none 11. Privacy Impact – none 12. COSLA Policy Position – none 13. Climate Risk – none 14 Childrens Rights - the articles within UNCRC underpin the work that is being progressed in Renfrewshire through the Fairer Renfrewshire programme, particularly in relation to rights in relation to aspects such as life, survival and development, food, clothing and a safe home and supporting the best interests of the child and their families. Child poverty and family wellbeing are key local partnership priorities. ____________________________________________________________________________ Author: Laura McIntyre, Head of Policy and Partnerships
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PUBLIC Appendix 1 Organisation Area Purpose Funding approved Howwood Community Council Howwood Winter Warmers £2,000 Houston Community Council Houston Houston Community Film Shows £1,571 Johnstone Castle Learning Centre Johnstone Youth sessions £2,000 KLAS Care CIC Linwood Whole Family Fun £1,417.80 Loud n Proud Paisley The Wednesday Club £2,000 Our Place Our Families Renfrew Soup for You £1,800 CREATE Paisley Paisley and Johnstone CREATE Winter Drop-ins £1,820 Local Energy Action Plan (LEAP) SCIO Lochwinnoch Cooking Classes £2,000 Erskine Arts Erskine Soup Sessions £2,000 Renfrew YMCA Renfrew Tuesday Soup Social £2,000 Foxbar Elderly Forum Paisley Foxbar Elderly Forum £2,000 Friends of Howwood Park Howwood The Tuesday Club £2,000 Paisley Methodist Church Paisley Saturday Get Together £2,000 St Vincents Hospice Howwood Winter Connection £1,880 The Thursday Club Paisley Thursday Club £2,000 Re:Hope Next Generation Bible Church Paisley Re: Play – Parent & Toddler Stay and Play £1,647 Dates-n-Mates Paisley Dates-n-Mates Renfrewshire £1,830 The Tannahill Centre Paisley Soup and a Blether £1,750 Just Dive In Paisley Winter Warmers £1,850
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PUBLIC Creation Corner Johnstone Christmas Crafts & Connections £235 Your Community Your Space Shortroods Winter Warm Hubs & Games Nights £2,000 Stronger Communities Glenburn Paisley Winter Food £2,000 Linwood Community Council Linwood Winter Connections £2,000 Home-Start Renfrewshire & Inverclyde Paisley Winter Warmth and Connection £1,750 Ralston Out of School Care Paisley Activity Club £1,100 STAR Project Paisley STAR Winter Connections £1,475.93 Rays of Hope Elderslie HOPE Project £1,830 Williamsburgh Housing Association Paisley Williamsburgh’s Auld Friends Network £1,750 Jones & Us Paisley Mum & Baby Fitness £1,900 Pastoral Committee Paisley West Church Paisley The Wee Blether £1,952.44 The Preshal Trust Paisley Preshal Paisley – Heat up and eat up £1,530 Youth Inspired Linwood YI Mums Group £1,950 Foxbar Community Gardens & Environmental Project Paisley Foxbar Winter Well-being Connections £2,000 Robertson Housing Social Activities Group Erskine Social Spark £2,000 Bridge of Weir Scout Group Bridge of Weir Bringing Bridge of Weir Community Together £2,000 Johnstone Burgh Community Club Johnstone Tuesday Food Night £2,000 Sewing2gether All Nations Paisley (Central) Craft and Conversation Club £1,852