Fairer Renfrewshire Update
Renfrewshire Council · 16 September 2026
Back to Leadership Board — 16 September 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: 16 September 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. A Fairer Renfrewshire Action Plan was agreed by the Leadership Board in December 2025, which sets out the priority actions that the council and its partners will progress to reduce poverty and inequality in Renfrewshire over the next 18 months. 1.2 Regular reports are provided to the Fairer Renfrewshire Sub-Committee on the Fairer Renfrewshire Programme and Action Plan, with the most recent meeting on 2 September 2026 discussing some of the key developments over the last quarter in relation to the cost of living crisis, including the continuing impacts of the conflict in the Middle East on household income and expenditure in Renfrewshire. 1.3 This paper provides: • a summary of the issues as reported to the Fairer Renfrewshire Sub-Committee on 2 September 2026 including the cost of living and programme updates. • An update with regard to the Summer of Fun Programme. • An update on plans for Winter Connections 26/27 and proposed approval process. • Details of the proposed Renfrewshire Voices small grants programme, as part of the Fairer Renfrewshire Programme’s Advancing Equality of Opportunity Workstream. 1.4 Priorities for the next quarter to end June 2026, as identified in the Fairer Renfrewshire Action Plan are as follows:
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PUBLIC • The Winter Connections programme will be finalised and launched prior to 1 October. • Subject to approval, the Renfrewshire Voices small grant programme will be launched. • A schedule to drive uptake of welfare benefits will be developed. • The evaluation of the Fairer Renfrewshire Panel will be carried out and brought to a future Sub-Committee. • Sources of Energy Advice across Renfrewshire will be identified and promoted. ___________________________________________________________________ 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 Summer of Fun programme in Section 5, with detailed information on all funded applications provided in Appendix 1. • Approve the guidance for the Winter Connections 2025/26 programme and associated implementation arrangements as detailed in Section 5 and Appendix 2; and • Agree that authority is delegated to the Head of Policy and Partnerships to award Winter Connections grant funding, in consultation with the Council Leader and in line with the guidance attached at Appendix 2. • Approve the guidance and arrangements for the proposed Renfrewshire Voices small grant programme, including the allocation of £20,000 for the programme which would run as a pilot in 26/27 as detailed in section 6 and Appendix 3. ___________________________________________________________________ 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 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
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PUBLIC 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 2 September 26, 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 Advice Provision, Equalities Actions, Summer of Fun and the Fairer Renfrewshire Panel. • Presentations on the Community Development Programme in Gallowhill and the Trauma Informed and Responsive Renfrewshire Programme. 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 2.9% in June, increasing from 2.6% 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% • The inflation rate for food has decreased to 1.7% in June, down 0.2% from last month. It is now lower than overall inflation, however the outlook for food prices is unstable, with prices expected to rise more quickly again in the coming months. • The Bank of England interest rate was held at 3.75% in July due to the conflict in the Middle East and associated inflation fluctuations and forecasts. • The Energy Price Cap, originally introduced by Ofgem in January 2019 to set limits on the underlying rates energy suppliers, is currently set at £1,862 from 1 July, with continued conflict in the Middle East leading to an uncertain energy disinflation path according to economists. Cost of living research (national) The latest insights into the cost of living from the Office of National Statistics for the period 3rd to 28th June 2026 found: • that 88% of those surveyed reported the cost of living as the most important issue facing the UK today, and around 60% reported that their cost of living had increased compared with a month ago. Around 6 in 10 adults (63%) reported being very or somewhat worried about their costs of living.
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PUBLIC • Around 1 in 3 (35%) adults who pay energy bills reported finding it very or somewhat difficult to afford these bills. • 1 in 5 (20%) adults reported that they had borrowed more money or used more credit than usual in the past month compared with a year ago. • In the period 7 January 2026 to 29 March 2026, among adults currently paying rent or mortgage payments, around 1 in 3 (35%) reported finding it very or somewhat difficult to afford these payments. • Just over 1 in 20 (6%) adults reported they had been unable to pay a direct debit, standing order, or bill in the past month. • 13% of adults disagree or strongly disagree that their household income covers their minimum living expenses. • The ONS also publishes statistics for the UK on Direct Debit failure. The most recent statistics for June 2026 shows a default rate on loans of 4.95%. • Within Scotland, according to the Scottish Government Public Insight Monitor 81% took some form of action to help manage their household finances over the last 6 months: • 55% of adults had spent less on non-essential items to help manage their household finances • 34% had used savings and 18% had cut back on essentials such as food. • 45% had also taken steps to reduce energy use in the home, eg. less heating and hot water. Employment and Income • According to the ONS, the Claimant Count in June 2026, which is taken from JobcentrePlus administration systems, for those claiming unemployment- related benefits in Renfrewshire is 3,470 people – 2095 men and 1280 women aged between 16 and 64. This is an increase from the 3,445 last reported. The Renfrewshire unemployment rate of 2.9% is less than the Scotland rate (3.1%). • Over the long term, average weekly earnings for both total and regular pay show a steady increase. Average weekly earnings were estimated at £749 for total earnings and £699 for regular earnings in May 2026. Food costs / insecurity • Food inflation was 1.7% in June, down from 2.2% in May. Prices rose the fastest for fish (9.1%), preserved fruit (8.6%) and water (8.2%) and confectionary products (6.4%). Prices fell for 16 categories, with the largest drops for pizza (-6.7%), butter (-6.6%) and flours (-5.1%). The ONS, however, found that although food inflation has reduced, the price of food has increased by 30.1% since April 2022. • Foodbank statistics for Quarter 1 show that 1,085 vouchers were issued, supporting 1,440 adults and 676 children. This is a decrease on the same time last year when 1,342 vouchers were issued supporting 1,775 adults and 854 children. • Single adult households accounted for 594 vouchers, and those for whom benefits was their only income accounted for 910.
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PUBLIC • Rising cost of essentials was the reason a voucher was issued in 412 cases, and continues to be the most cited reason for voucher issue with other unexpected expense at 245 and debt, when priority and non-priority debt is taken together, accounted for 177 vouchers. Housing • Private rent prices in Renfrewshire were an average £795 in June 2026, down from an average of £826 in March 2026, and an annual decrease of 1.4% from £807 in June 25 5 Fairer Renfrewshire Programme Update 5.1 Since the last update to Leadership Board in June 2026, a range of activities have continued to be progressed by officers and partners. A summary is provided in the sections below. Improving Financial Security Advice 5.2 During quarter 1, Renfrewshire Council’s Advice Works Service received 903 referrals, including self-referrals and assisted 718 new clients. Within the quarter, they supported 3,278 benefit claims and won 26 appeals, with Client Financial Gain for the quarter being £3,059,751, and debt under management £545,367. 5.3 For Family Advice, 95 new referrals were received this quarter, 45 of these being from the 6 Child Poverty Priority Groups and financial gain of £21,752 made. 88 benefits checks were done, and the gain included Universal Credit of £11,544 and Scottish Child Payment of £8,580. 5.4 For Renfrewshire Citizens Advice Bureau (RCAB)’s School Support Service for quarter 1: • 94 contacts were made with clients (76 in person, 15 by telephone and 3 by email). • 55 families were assisted during the quarter, including 25 new clients. The service secured a total of £18,083.71 in Client Financial Gains for families during the quarter. This included £6804 from Child Disability Payment. 5.5 With regard to Child Poverty Priority Groups, across both the Advice Works and RCAB advice for families services, the following number of families in priority groups were supported: • 37 lone parent families. • 28 families with a child or adult with a disability • 6 families with three or more children. • 17 minority ethnic families. • 7 families with a child under one year old. • 2 mothers aged under 25 5.6 For RCAB’s general service in quarter 1, 2,882 individuals sought advice, with 1,163 being seen and financial gain of £399,003. Total debt under management at the moment,
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PUBLIC including existing debt is £2,124,519 and 134 clients reached a debt solution this quarter. There were also 103 legal clients this quarter, with most of these coming forward with issues around housing (34) and homelessness (18). Debt accounted for 22 client contacts. 5.7 The contract with RCAB to provide free general and legal advice to Renfrewshire residents was approved at Finance, Resources and Customer Services Policy Board on 11 June, and commenced on 1 July. 5.8 A number of meetings have taken place since between Council Officers and the RCAB Chief Executive in line with both the new service specification and Fairer Renfrewshire Action Plan. 5.9 A specific meeting regarding outreach has taken place, with Advice Works and RCAB looking at how they can best work together to agree, provide and review outreach advice at locations across Renfrewshire. This includes looking at gaps, duplication and ensuring outreach is fully utilised Strengthening Health, Wellbeing and Community Community Development in Gallowhill 5.10 Progress has been made on the community development work in Gallowhill, with a number of activities supported by Active Communities now taking place regularly within the area and a detailed update on this work was delivered by Active Communities as part of the agenda for the September Fairer Renfrewshire Sub-Committee 5.11 Recent activities in Gallowhill include: • Friday Lunch • Two community litter picks each week (community led) • A walking group which is using the new walking routes in Gallowhill • Weekly exercise class • Weekly art activities for young people 5.12 In addition, utilising Summer of Fun funding, Active Communities ran a programme of free fun activities for the children over the summer holidays which included a healthy lunch. Children had the opportunity to be involved in the preparation of lunch and learn basic cooking skills. Whilst the children were in this club parents enjoyed their normal weekly Friday lunch club which has activities suitable for them. 5.13 In July Active Communities met with Council Officers from the Transport team to discuss issues that had been raised by the community, for example with regard to road safety, parking and accessibility as well as things like bus shelters in poor condition. It has been arranged that Shopmobility will carry out an accessibility audit on main routes in Gallowhill, including from the schools to shops and to the Community Centre and the result will be share with Transport colleagues to take forward the findings. 5.14 Active Communities were also advised of upcoming initiatives such as Beat the Street which launches in September to share with the Gallowhill community.
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PUBLIC 5.15 Looking forward, Active Communities are planning a community sharing event in autumn to look at issues that have been previously raised by community members through the earlier needs assessment and what has been done, focus and promote the new activities happening in Gallowhill and also encourage community to come forward with ideas on how to improve the area. Summer of Fun 5.16 Funding was allocated to another Summer of Fun programme in 2026 from the Fairer Renfrewshire budget, with additional funding from Scottish Government’s Summer of Sport initiative providing further support to the programme. As with previous years programmes, this is a partnership programme of events across Renfrewshire including the direct provision of holiday camps and a small grants programme to allow third and community sector partners to deliver local, targeted provision to low-income families across Renfrewshire. 5.17 Grants of up to £3,000 were available for community organisations for projects to deliver activities over the summer holidays which reach communities that might be underserved by mainstream activities. As in previous years the programme was quickly over-subscribed. 5.18 Applications were reviewed by a partnership panel, including members from Engage Renfrewshire and Renfrewshire HSCP along with Council officers. Delegated authority had been provided to the Head of Policy and Partnerships to award grant funding in consultation with the Council Leader, and out of the £50,000 available, £49,999.32 was allocated. 5.19 In total 22 organisations received funding for activities which included: • Summer clubs for families/children • Outdoor activities • Art and music activities • Sports and fitness activities 5.20 As part of Summer of Fun, a small amount of funding was made available to OneRen Libraries to provide activities in areas where no organised activities were taking place, with summer storytelling and other activities being organised in these areas. 5.21 Invest in Renfrewshire and OneRen libraries were also linked with the organisations receiving funding so, where applicable, they could discuss their services. In OneRen’s case, this was to carry out conversations with as many people as possible as part of the development of a new Skoobmobile service. 5.22 Summer holiday camps were provided across Renfrewshire by both Connected Communities staff and Street Stuff. As approved at Leadership Board on 17 June, funding of £8,000 was also provided to the Tannahill Centre to extend their service over the summer, and employ 2 sessional workers and provide food, including a hot lunch, and snacks for attendees. This was in place of the CLD summer camp in Glencoats Primary School.
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PUBLIC 5.23 The full Summer of Fun programme will be evaluated and a report brought to elected members at the next Leadership Board. A full list of awards and activities is at Appendix 1. Winter Connections 5.24 Recognising the success of the Winter Connections programme since 2022/23, £75,000 of Fairer Renfrewshire funding was allocated as part of the Council’s budget to support the delivery of a Winter Connections programme for 26/27. Winter Connections provides a network of local places and spaces where people can connect to others in their community over the winter. 5.25 Originally established as a response to the cost of living crisis, the Winter Connections programme is now in its fifth year and has proven to be much valued within communities over the winter months. An evaluation of the 2025/26 programme was carried out and reported to Leadership Board in June 2026. 5.26 As with previous years, it is recommended that authority is delegated to the Head of Policy and Partnerships to award funding in consultation with the Council Leader and in line with the guidance, to enable timely awards. All awards will be reported back to Leadership Board. 5.27 Guidance has been drafted as detailed at Appendix 2, and if approved by Leadership Board, it is intended that the funding will go live for applications from 17 September, with awards being made from October 2026. Embedding Equality and Inclusion Equalities Outcomes Action Plan and equality actions 5.28 After the success of the first session on 12 May, an additional RenTalk has been delivered with the Equalities Development Officer and Engage Renfrewshire’s IN-Ren Network Facilitator on inclusive and intercultural communications for employees. The additional talk was delivered after positive feedback at the first session and was designed to reach those who weren’t able to attend the first session. The session supports staff to meet the needs of any service user who is not a native English speaker or who needs a different kind of communication style. Between both sessions, almost 200 staff members have been reached. 5.29 Diversity Equality Alliance Renfrewshire (DEAR) Group recently reviewed their Terms of Reference and membership. At the DEAR group meeting in May it was agreed which organisations would be invited to join the group to expand the membership. Over June and July several organisations have been contacted and added to the membership of the DEAR group including: My Baby and I, Jubilee House, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, RAMH, West College Scotland and Inspiring Families. 5.30 Expressions of interest from British Sign Language (BSL) users for the BSL User group hosted by the Council closed at the end of July 2026. The BSL user group will bring
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PUBLIC together BSL users to give feedback on Council services to improve these for the Deaf and Deafblind community. The group has been advertised through the British Deaf Association newsletter, Alliance Scotland, West Scotland BSL social media, several community networks, and social media. Several expressions of interest have been received with a wide range of individuals interested in joining the group. Once those who have expressed an interest have been contacted, it is intended to hold a first meeting in October or November. Advice Posters and Leaflets in other languages 5.31 Working with Advice Works and RCAB, posters and leaflets have been developed in 5 languages other than English, encouraging anyone who is struggling with money worries to come forward for advice. The 5 most common languages used by clients contacting the Council through use of Language Line are Arabic, Farsi, Polish, Sorani and Ukrainian, so the posters and leaflets were developed in those languages as likely to be most common in Renfrewshire. 5.32 These were distributed at the IN-Ren Newsy launch on 23 July to a number of organisations which support ethnically diverse clients, including Community Learning and Development colleagues and partners, to distribute at ESOL classes. They will also be distributed to libraries and health settings. 5.33 In June 2026, partners in Renfrewshire hosted a Building Stronger Communities session to discuss how we can work together to strengthen connection across our communities, particularly in relation to culturally and ethnically diverse communities. Over 40 people attended the session, with follow up sessions to be held during September to progress some of the ideas discussed. Using Insight and Evidence for Impact Child Poverty Accelerator Fund 5.34 Work continues on the Child Poverty Accelerator Fund project, which will create a locally governed 'Insight Partnership' that uses existing data to identify families showing early signs of child poverty risk. The partnership will then connect these families quickly to the right support, including income maximisation, employability help, cost of living advice and family wellbeing services. 5.35 The initial stage of this project examined the type of data that is held across Council services to decide what could be useful to the project. Work has now progressed to ensuring the technical details within a Data Protection Impact Assessment fully satisfy Information Governance requirements, creating an Equality Impact Assessment and finalising a project plan. The steering group, comprised of officers from across relevant Council areas, that has been established to oversee the project has met three times, and the first monitoring and evaluation meeting with the Scottish Government took place on 13th of August 2026. Lived Experience Panel
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PUBLIC 5.36 Elected Members have been given a number of updates relating to work of the Fairer Renfrewshire Panel. Since the last Fairer Renfrewshire Sub-Committee meeting, the Panel have met with the HSCP Health Improvement Team around the ‘Ask and Act’ pilot they are developing and with Invest in Renfrewshire team to input on Renfrewshire’s proposals for the Scottish Government Parental Transport funding investment. Going forward, the Panel will meet with CLD to discuss services for young people in Renfrewshire. 5.37 The specification for the contract with STAR Project to facilitate and support the Panel for another year has been agreed, with a new contract starting in July 2026. 5.38 It has been agreed that the Panel will be evaluated during August and September, with an officer from the Fairer Renfrewshire team carrying this out. She will speak to Panel members, STAR Project staff and Council Services which have engaged with the Panel to examine how well the Panel is working, what changes have been made due to Panel feedback and any areas for improvement. 6 Renfrewshire Voices 6.1 Renfrewshire Council is committed to reducing inequalities and advancing equality of opportunity. However, gaps in local evidence and understanding mean that the experiences of some equality groups are not consistently reflected in policy, service design, and decision-making. Developing stronger insight into the barriers faced by diverse communities is essential if we are to ensure that our response to inequality is informed, targeted and effective. 6.2 In February 2024, Leadership Board recognised the requirement to further develop the Council’s understanding of, and response to, inequality locally and agreed the allocation of £150,000 to establish a dedicated equalities workstream within the Fairer Renfrewshire Programme. This allocation was made to support staffing capacity and expertise to progress this workstream and to commission work to ensure the Council’s response to inequality is shaped by the lived experience of equalities groups. 6.3 Furthermore, within the Fairer Renfrewshire Action Plan which has been agreed in December 2025, a specific action to “Develop a small grant programme to commission local organisations who engage with/represent equalities groups to share the experiences and perspectives of diverse groups” was included. It is proposed, therefore, that Renfrewshire Voices, a small grants programme designed to address these gaps in knowledge and gather and share community insight, is approved. 6.4 The aim of the programme is to: • Improve understanding of the experiences of local equalities groups. • Increase involvement of people with lived experience in policy and service design. • Enhance relationships between public bodies and equality-led organisations. • Improve our evidence base to support equality-related decision making.
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PUBLIC 6.5 Elected members will be aware that the following Equality Outcomes, updated after consultation, were approved at Leadership Board in April 2026: • Outcome 1: New Scots and our ethnically and culturally diverse communities feel welcomed, supported, and have equity of opportunity 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. 6.6 An action plan was developed utilising the consultation responses and was approved at Leadership Board in April 2026. The consultation and prior local engagement identified several gaps in our knowledge and lesser heard voices within Renfrewshire. It is proposed these gaps inform the planned small grant programme. Gaps include: • Information on barriers experienced due to faith • Information on the LGBT+ community • Information on intersectional equalities communities e.g. New Scots who are parents or disabled LGBT+ individuals • Information barriers and experiences due to using BSL as a primary language 6.7 Renfrewshire Voices will help provide the information we need with regard to these communities, and findings gathered through Renfrewshire Voices will be used to inform policy development, service design, Equality Impact Assessments, future development of the Fairer Renfrewshire Action Plan and the monitoring of Equality Outcomes. 6.8 Success will be measured through: • the number and diversity of organisations funded; • the extent to which identified evidence gaps are addressed; • participation from people with lived experience; • how findings are subsequently used to inform policy, services and equality outcomes. 6.9 Applications for the small grants programme would be invited for proposed projects which provide insight into at least one of the Equality Outcomes for 2025 – 2029 (detailed in 6.5) and/or provide insight into one of the equalities groups for which we do not have local and up to date information (detailed in 6.6). 6.10 A total funding amount of £20,000 is proposed to run the small grant programme as a pilot in 2026/27, with the potential for a further tranche of funding to be considered if the pilot was successful. Funding up to £4,000 will be available to organisations led by, working with, or representing equalities groups to support the costs associated with proposals.
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PUBLIC 6.11 The timeline proposed for the programme is • It is envisaged that the fund will open in September 2026, with recommendations for funding being brought to Leadership Board in December 2026 for decision after scrutiny by a Panel to examine the applications comprising colleagues from within the Council, as well as Renfrewshire HSCP and Engage Renfrewshire, with applicants being informed shortly thereafter. • Organisations are expected to run their projects between January and June 2027, however flexibility will be allowed dependant on the scope and design of the project with outcomes reported to Leadership Board in late 2027 or early 2028. An evaluation of the programme will also be brought to Leadership Board. 6.12 Commissioned organisations will be expected to join the Diversity and Equality Alliance Renfrewshire (DEAR) networking Group. This networking will allow funding recipients to: • Share the commissioned work being delivered through the grant funding to highlight best practice • Network with local public sector organisations, charities and community groups who they may wish to work more closely with • Engage with equalities led organisations in areas of policy and practice development across the Council and its partners 6.13 Renfrewshire Voices Draft Guidance is attached in Appendix 3. ____________________________________________________________________ Implications of the Report 1. Financial – It is proposed that £20,000 of Fairer Renfrewshire funding is allocated to support the Renfrewshire Voices programme. 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 seeks approval of a small grant programme which is designed to further develop the Council’s understanding of, and response to, inequality locally and as such is expected to have a positive impact with regards to equality and on equalities groups. 8. Health and Safety - none 9. Procurement – none
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PUBLIC 10. Risk – none 11. Privacy Impact – none 12. COSLA Policy Position – none 13. Climate Risk – none ___________________________________________________________________ Author: Laura McIntyre, Head of Policy and Partnerships
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PUBLIC Appendix 1 Organisation Area Purpose Funding approved Brick Lane Music Academy CIC Paisley Musical Maestros/Rock Pop and Rap Workshops/Star Struck Summer £2,900 Erskine Arts Erskine An Erskine Arts Summer £2,927.32 KLAS Care Linwood Summertime Fun 2026 £2,652 STAR Project Paisley STAR Summer of Fun £3,000 Ralston Out of School Care Paisley Activity Club £1,100 CREATE Paisley Paisley and Johnstone Go CREATE Summer Programme £2,945 Paisley St George’s Church of Scotland Paisley Paisley St George’s Summer Holiday Club £2,715 Active Communities Paisley Gallowhill Gallowhill Children’s Club £2,900 School of African Cultures Paisley KOLA (Meaning Grow in Lingala) Summer Holiday Camp £3,000 Friends of Howwood Park Howwood Children’s Summer Holiday Activity Programme £2,900 Youth Inspired Linwood YI Summer Connections £2,957 Renfrew YMCA Renfrew Summer of Fun 2026 £2,500 Loud n Proud Paisley Every Kid Shall Rock £1,700 Sewing2gether All Nations Paisley Summer Sewing2gether £752 Johnstone Castle Learning Centre Johnstone Castle Johnstone Castle Chaos Club £2,100 Renfrewshire Women’s Aid Paisley Safe Summer Connections £2,700 Active Communities Howwood Road Summer Fun Day £1,100 Home-Start Renfrewshire and Inverclyde Paisley Summer Connections £1,331 Renfrewshire Effort to Empower Minorities Paisley Summer Project £3,000 Stronger Communities Glenburn Paisley Glenburn Fun in the Sun £1,000 Bring Unity to Communities Paisley Foxbar FUSION – a series of fun workshops for young people and families £1,420 Bishopton Sports and Social Club Bishopton Summer Clubs £1,500
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PUBLIC OneRen Libraries Bishopton, Bridge of Weir and Lochwinnoch Summer Storytelling, Messy Play and Board games £900 £49,999.30
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PUBLIC Appendix 2 WINTER CONNECTIONS PROGRAMME FUND Winter Connections is a network of local places and spaces where people can connect to others in their community this winter through taking part in organised activities. Winter Connections will co-ordinate and promote a programme of group events and activities across Renfrewshire that everyone can access. Winter Connections are always free, open to all, in every neighbourhood and can guarantee a warm welcome. We want to work with local groups and organisations who can host Winter Connections in their community. The Winter Connections Fund can provide small grants of up to £2,000 to organisations to help with the additional costs of making venues, activities and sessions open as part of the Winter Connections Programme. Who can apply? The fund is open to voluntary and community organisations that are constituted and have a bank account. The Fund is not open to applications to support individuals. What we will fund The Fund can cover a range of project costs, such as equipment, food, energy costs, costs to rent a space for the activity, cleaning, and staffing costs to cover increased activity. Examples of projects that can be funded include: • A new cooking project where ingredients are provided • Projects that bring people from different backgrounds together through a shared activity, such as different cultures or age groups • Tablet or device classes for older people • Choirs or singing groups • Projects supporting people living with mental illness • Lunch clubs with an activity • Crafting or ‘making’ activities • Classes with a focus on physical activity • Classes which provide and show how to install simple energy efficiency measures A guide to Winter Connections funding and how to apply
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PUBLIC We welcome applications from community venues as well as groups who run activities. We can help to connect venues with groups who can offer activities and vice-versa, if this would be helpful. Grant funding must be spent by the end of March 2027. What your application should cover Applications should describe the specific activity the organisation wants to host, how it meets the needs of the local community and how it meets the Winter Connections principles to make sure the programme is inclusive, safe, and stigma-free. Projects and activities should 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 We want Winter Connections activities to be available in every neighbourhood in Renfrewshire, as well as available at different times and for residents of all ages. This may affect the funding decisions that we make. While we recognise that many organisations will be closed over the Christmas period, we would welcome applications that will deliver activities during the festive period. What cannot be funded? Winter Connections will not fund: • One-off activities, like an open or fun day • Activities that are not free • Events to raise funds for other charities • Costs for activities that have already taken place • Projects where no activities are available/will take place How to apply Applications will be open from 17 September 2026 using an online application process. If you need a paper copy or any support to make an application, please get in touch. Awards will be made from mid-October, and the fund will remain open until the available funding has been used. Demand for this fund is usually high so we would advise that you apply as early as possible. The online application form can be found here Winter Connections Application 2026 We will be in touch for a copy of your constitution, a recent bank statement and a copy of your accounts (or income/expenditure statement) if we don’t have a recent copy of these already on file. Please have these ready so applications can be processed promptly. How much funding is available from the Winter Connections Fund? Grants of up to a maximum of £2,000 are available, however as funding is limited, please do not apply for more than you will need for your project.
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PUBLIC If you are co-ordinating several events in partnership with a range of local groups (for example as a bigger community venue), we can use some discretion to make larger awards. Please get in touch to discuss this. How we will make decisions Applications will be reviewed by a panel of staff from Renfrewshire Council, Renfrewshire Health and Social Care Partnership and Engage Renfrewshire before a decision is made. We will assess and award applications on a ‘rolling’ basis until the funding has been spent. We will get in touch with you to let you know if your application has been successful as soon as possible, and we may also get in touch for further information about your project before making a decision. While we endeavour to pay awards as quickly as possible, if due to the decision-making process, you receive your grant later than expected you can start your programme later and run it beyond the 31st March if necessary. Conditions of grant If you are successful in your application, you must accept and comply with Renfrewshire Council’s standard grant terms and conditions. You will be asked to report back on the impact the project has had once the funds are spent. Projects which receive funding from Renfrewshire Council will be promoted as part of the Renfrewshire Winter Connections programme. You will also be asked to make clear your project is part of the programme when promoting your project. In addition to complying with the Council’s grant terms and conditions, organisations should consider the Scottish Government’s Fair Work First Guidance. The current guidance stipulates that from 01/07/2023 all organisation receiving Public Sector Grants should be paying staff at least the Real Living Wage and providing effective channels for employee voice. Contact us If you would like to discuss the priorities, application process or alternative funding opportunities please contact Andrena Faulkner at andrena.faulkner@renfrewshire.gov.uk.
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PUBLIC Appendix 3 RENFREWSHIRE VOICES PROGRAMME FUND What Renfrewshire Voices is Renfrewshire Voices commissions projects which will gather and share the experiences and perspectives of equality groups. The aim of the programme is to share research and insight into diverse communities in Renfrewshire with Renfrewshire Council, our Community Planning Partners and the wider Renfrewshire community, particularly on unmet needs and provide opportunities to capture and amplify lesser heard voices. Renfrewshire Voices offers small grants of up to £4,000 to organisations to help with the cost of running projects which gather and share information on equality groups. Who can apply for this fund? The fund is open to any organisation led by, representing, or working with equalities groups. An equalities group is a group which may face discrimination, such as disabled people, ethnically diverse communities, older people or those within the LGBTQ+ community. Invitations are welcomed from informal and non-constituted groups, but any funding application would need to be hosted and managed by a constituted organisation with a bank account. We recognise that organisations supporting equalities groups may be national or regional organisations. Proposals would be accepted from national organisations but the grant must be used on activity focused on engaging Renfrewshire residents to gain local insight. What can funding be used for? The fund can cover a range of project costs such as: • Upskilling, training and development costs. For example, upskilling or training in research or engagement skills • Access costs. For example, interpreters, translators, childcare accessibility, reasonable participation costs and expenses A guide to Renfrewshire Voices funding and how to apply
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PUBLIC • Costs associated with hosting and facilitating activities and sessions. For example, costs for a survey tool, catering, or a venue. • Staff costs for carrying out the proposals within the application Examples of projects that could be funded include Exploring the experiences of LGBTQ+ residents in Renfrewshire – an organisation could facilitate peer discussion groups, workshops or a community survey to gather insight on issues such as inclusion, mental wellbeing, safety, access to services or community connections, sharing findings with partners to inform future service development. Understanding intersectional experiences of inequality - An organisation working with groups such as disabled New Scots, LGBTQ+ carers or ethnically diverse women could undertake targeted engagement to explore how multiple aspects of identity shape people's experiences and identify opportunities to improve local support. Improving accessibility to employment for disabled residents - A project could disabled residents to identify barriers to accessing information, support and opportunities around employability and make recommendations for improving accessibility and communication. Understanding the experiences of local faith communities - A faith organisation could run focus groups, interviews or community conversations with members to better understand barriers to accessing local services, community facilities, employment opportunities or support networks, and produce a short report with key findings and recommendations. Funding up to £4,000 will be available which is expected to be spent by June 2027, however this can be extended if necessary if a specific project is expected to take longer. What cannot be funded? Renfrewshire Voices is not recurring funding and will not support recurring revenue costs for existing services. The funding will only facilitate the running of short-term projects which will gather further insight into gaps and areas for development. What your application should cover Proposals should describe the specific project the organisation wishes to run, how it provides insight into at least one of the Equality Outcomes for 2025 – 2029 (listed below) and/or provide insight into one of the equalities groups which we do not have local and up to date information (listed below). Proposals should also: • Develop capacity to carry out and share research and insight on diverse communities in Renfrewshire, particularly on unmet needs or; • Provide opportunities for local equalities communities to boost their voice and influence Equality Outcomes for 2025- 2029: • Outcome 1: New Scots and our ethnically and culturally diverse communities feel welcomed, supported, and have equity of opportunity 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.
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PUBLIC • 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. Equalities groups which we do not have local and up to date information on: • Information on barriers experienced due to faith • Information on the LGBT+ community • Information on intersectional equalities communities e.g. New Scots who are parents or disabled LGBT+ individuals • Information barriers and experiences due to using BSL as a primary language How to apply Applications will open from 16 September 2026 using an online application process. If you need a paper copy or any support to make an application, please get in touch (details below). The fund will remain open until 28 October. Awards will be made from December 2026. The online application form can be found here Renfrewshire Voices Application 2026. We will be in touch for a copy of your constitution, a recent bank statement and a copy of your accounts (or income/expenditure statement) if we don’t have a recent copy of these already on file. Please have these ready so applications can be processed promptly. How we will make decisions A panel of staff from Renfrewshire Council, Engage Renfrewshire, and Renfrewshire Health and Social Care Partnership will review your application. Recommendations for funding will be approved by Renfrewshire Council’s Leadership Board. Our decision making on funding will take into account how well your application meets the outcomes and the gaps in our knowledge, and also relevance to and alignment with Council services and priorities. We will also look at how your project: • Will engage with the particular equalities group you intend to work with • Will improve understanding of the experiences of local equalities groups. • Will increase involvement of people with lived experience in policy and service design Your application should describe your expected outputs, for example reports, videos or events. This will also inform our decision making. We'll get in touch with you by email to let you know if your application has been successful or unsuccessful in late December 2026 and we may also get in touch for further information about your project before making a decision. What support can Renfrewshire Council offer successful applicants? In-kind support will be offered to successful organisations to support their project including: • Networking through the DEAR group (more information below) • Advice and guidance on survey tools, consultation, and engagement
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PUBLIC • Where possible, the use of venues for research activity (e.g hosting focus groups), however this cannot be guaranteed. Conditions of grant If you are successful in your application, you must accept and comply with Renfrewshire Council’s standard grant terms and conditions. You will be asked to report back on the impact your project has had once it has come to an end. We will send you a feedback form to complete and may visit your project. Commissioned organisations will be expected to join the Diversity and Equality Alliance Renfrewshire (DEAR) networking Group. This networking will allow funding recipients to: • Share the commissioned work being delivered through the grant funding to highlight best practice • Network with local public sector organisations, charities and community groups who they may wish to work more closely with • Engage with equalities led organisations in areas of policy and practice development across the Council and its partners In addition to complying with the Council’s grant terms and conditions, organisations should consider the Scottish Government’s Fair Work First Guidance. The current guidance stipulates that from 01/07/2023 all organisation receiving Public Sector Grants should be paying staff at least the Real Living Wage and providing effective channels for employee voice. Contact us If you would like to discuss the priorities, application process or alternative funding opportunities please contact Astrid Smallenbroek at astrid.smallenbroek@renfrewshire.gov.uk.