1b. Data Dashboard August 2026 v2
Renfrewshire Council · 2 September 2026
Back to Fairer Renfrewshire Sub-committee — 2 September 2026 and its agenda
Text extracted from the council's PDF. Layout and reading order may differ from the original.
Some pages contain no extractable text. They may be blank, graphics or scanned pages. OCR has not been applied.
Page 1
Prepared by: Policy and Partnerships tacklingpoverty@renfrewshire.gov.uk Cost of Living Dashboard August 2026 Fairer Renfrewshire
Page 2
Cost of Living Dashboard FAIRER RENFREWSHIRE This dashboard has been developed to provide a summary of key indicators relating to how local households might be impacted by the cost-of-living crisis It has four key sections: economy, social security, financial insecurity and housing Each section has an overview with key indicators and their movement from the last period, supported by additional information and graphs showing further analysis and longer-term trends The dashboard is still in development, and feedback is welcome on the information included and its presentation to ensure it is a useful tool
Page 3
Key statistics - economy OVERVIEW 3.75% 2.9% £20.73 159.89p 1.3% £1,862 • CPI Inflation has increased and food inflation has fallen, but both are expected to rise in the future. • Interest Rates held at 3.75%. • Energy price cap increased from July, with prepayment meters comparatively cheaper than direct debit. A further increase in October is likely.
Page 4
Inflation The CPI inflation rate inJuly 2026 is 2.9%, an increase from the 2.6% rate in June. The increase is not consistent across all categories and there are fluctuations. The increase in the CPI Rate for July 2026, was largely because of higher energy bills. Energy costs for households rose on 1 July after Ofgem increased the price cap on gas and electricity costs by 13%. Food prices increased at a rate of 1.3% with small downward effects from 3 of the detailed 11 classes, namely meat, vegetables and sugar (including jam, honey, syrups, chocolate and confectionary). Analysts are predicting that food price inflation is expected to rise to a peak of about 3.3%-3.7% late in 2026. Food prices are expected to rise due to the delayed impact of the increase in energy, transport and fertilizer costs, as well as the drought-related effects on crop yield. Interest Rates The Bank of England’s base rate was held at 3.75% in July 2026. Interest rates are difficult to predict. The Bank of England has signalled that interest rates could rise this year as it attempts to curb inflation following a “significant energy price shock” for the conflict in the Middle East. Conflict in the Middle East has disrupted the transportation and supply of energy, raised its price and pushed up household bills. It is difficult to predict what will happen. 0.00 1.00 2.00 3.00 4.00 5.00 6.00 Nov 2017 Mar 2020 Dec 2021 Mar 2022 Jun 2022 Sep 2022 Dec 2022 Mar 2023 Jun 2023 Sep 2023 Nov 2023 Jan 2024 Mar 2024 May 2024 Aug 2024 Nov 2024 Feb 2025 May 2025 Aug 2025 Nov 2025 Feb 2026 Apr 2026 July 2026 Bank of England Base Rate Changes -5.0 0.0 5.0 10.0 15.0 20.0 25.0 Mar-19 Jul-19 Nov-19 Mar-20 Jul-20 Nov-20 Mar-21 Jul-21 Nov-21 Mar-22 Jul-22 Nov-22 Mar-23 Jul-23 Nov-23 Mar-24 Jul-24 Nov-24 Mar-25 Jul-25 Nov-25 Mar-26 Jul-26 CPI Inflation Rates Food Inflation CPI
Page 5
Earnings Based on the ONS annual survey of hours and earnings, in 2025 the median hourly pay (excluding overtime) for workers in Renfrewshire is higher compared to that for workers in Scotland, and the rest of Great Britain. It should be noted that the median hourly wage for both males and females in Renfrewshire is higher than the corresponding rates in Scotland and the UK. Employment Rate The ONS Labour Force Survey shows the Claimant Count for those claiming benefits 'principally for the reason of being unemployed', which now stands at 3,470 in June 2026. This is based on numbers claiming JSA and Universal Credit. These numbers are based on those aged 16 and over and are not seasonally adjusted. The Renfrewshire unemployment rate is 2.9% and is less than the Scotland rate (3.1%) and the Great Britain rate (3.9%). £20.73 £20.23 £19.74 £21.54 £20.50 £20.39 £19.98 £19.76 £18.94 £17.50 £18.00 £18.50 £19.00 £19.50 £20.00 £20.50 £21.00 £21.50 £22.00 Renfrewshire Scotland Great Britain Hourly pay excluding overtime Full-time Workers Male Full-time workers Female Full-time workers 0 500 1,000 1,500 2,000 2,500 3,000 3,500 4,000 4,500 Apr-23 Jun-23 Aug-23 Oct-23 Dec-23 Feb-24 Apr-24 Jun-24 Aug-24 Oct-24 Dec-24 Feb-25 Apr-25 Jun-25 Aug-25 Oct-25 Dec-25 Feb-26 Apr-26 Jun-26 Renfrewshire Claimant Count
Page 6
Economic Inactivity The ONS Labour Force Survey also provides details on those aged 16+ that are economically inactive and not seeking work. Between April 2025 to March 2026, of the 31,900 people aged 16-64 that are classed as economically inactive, 82% are not looking for employment (either in the long-term or short/medium term). The percentage of economically inactive people aged 16- 64 that want to gain employment (either in long-term or short/medium term) in Renfrewshire (18%) is lower than that of the rates in Scotland (19.3%) and Great Britain (21.3%). The Renfrewshire figure could be underestimated due to the sample size. Please note that due to the sample size within Renfrewshire, some categories do not have a reliable estimate (e.g. looking after family/home, temporary sick or other). Student 18% Other 10% Long-Term Sick 40% Retired 19% Looking after family/home 13% Economically Inactive, not looking for work
Page 7
Fuel Prices From the UK Government’s weekly fuel price publication, the average UK pump price on 3 August 2026 is 159.89 pence per litre for petrol, and 179.19 pence per litre for diesel. The conflict in the Middle East has led to significant increases in fuel prices, with price volatility to continue during and after the conflict until production and supply returns to normal levels. Energy Price Cap The Energy Price Cap sets a limit on the maximum amount suppliers can charge for each unit of gas and electricity used and sets a maximum daily standing charge. That means there is no upper limit to what a user pays, if more energy is used, more is paid. The Energy Price Cap now changes every three months mainly based on average energy wholesale prices in the months leading up to each change. From July 2026 the Energy Price Cap increased to £1,862 per year for those on a monthly direct debit, and to £1,812 per year for those with a prepayment meter. £0 £500 £1,000 £1,500 £2,000 £2,500 £3,000 £3,500 £4,000 £4,500 Direct Debit Prepayment
Page 8
Key statistics - social security OVERVIEW 21,239 10,370 4,218 3,775 • Households claiming Universal Credit increasing, this includes new cases and managed migration from tax credits and legacy benefits. • Slight decrease in number of children receiving Scottish Child Payment compared to December 2025.
Page 9
Universal Credit Households on Universal Credit (UC) continue to rise with 21,239 households in Renfrewshire receiving UC as of February 2026 (provisional figures). Starting in August 2023, the managed migration from tax credits to UC contributed to the rises in the UC caseload, with the legacy tax credit system closing for payments in April 2025. From April 2024, the managed migration process commenced for those claimants still on Income Support, Jobseeker’s Allowance, Housing Benefit and Employment and Support Allowance and should be complete by June 2026. The next UC statistical update from the Department for Work and Pensions is due on 18 August 2026. 0 5000 10000 15000 20000 25000 Number of Renfrewshire Households on UC
Page 10
Free School Meals and Clothing Grants The 2026/27 Free School Meals and Clothing Grant application process commenced at the start of June 2026. The number of applications received between June 2025, and July 2026 (3,273) is slightly up compared to the corresponding period as last year (3,267). The award rate at the end of July 2026 (82.4%) is higher than at the same point last year (81.3%). It is too early to say whether the numbers of applications will continue to be higher than last year. Officers will monitor the figures and look at ways to strengthen the uptake. 0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000 3500 4000 2021/22 2022/23 2023/24 2024/25 2025/26 2026/27 Number of FSM/CG Applications Received up to end of July
Page 11
Key statistics - financial insecurity OVERVIEW 1,085 £1.459m 1,977 2,422 • Foodbank vouchers issued are slightly up compared to last quarter but have decreased compared to the same period last year. • Number of Crisis Grants applications awarded is up compared to the same period last year although spend is slightly down. • Number of people approaching local advice agencies down this period.
Page 12
More than 3 vouchers needed in the last 6 months In terms of more than 3 vouchers needed in the last 6 months there has been a decrease in overall cases in Q1 compared to previous years. There has been a decrease in benefit delays or sanctions, debt and long-term health conditions as a specified reason compared to the same quarter in 2025/26. Foodbank Vouchers The number of Foodbank vouchers issued in Q1 2026/27 (1,085) assisted 676 children and 1,440 adults. This is a slight increase compared to Q4 2025/26 (1,038) but significantly down compared to Q1 2025/26 (1,342). 0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200 1400 1600 1800 Year, by quarter 21/22 Q1 21/22 Q2 21/22 Q3 21/22 Q4 22/23 Q1 22/23 Q2 22/23 Q3 22/23 Q4 23/24 Q1 23/24 Q2 23/24 Q3 23/24 Q4 24/25 Q1 24/25 Q2 24/25 Q3 24/25 Q4 25/26 Q1 25/26 Q2 25/26 Q3 25/26 Q4 26/27 Q1 Foodbank Vouchers Issued by Quarter 0 50 100 150 200 250 Awaiting first benefit payment Benefit delay or sanction Debt Domestic abuse Drug or alcohol dependency Homelessness Long term health condition Long term unemployment No access to financial support due… Other - low income Other Reason for needing more than 3 vouchers in the last 6 months (April - June comparison) 2026/27 2025/26 2024/25
Page 13
Advice Advice Works and Renfrewshire Citizens Advice Bureau (RCAB) both continue to support a high level of new clients. The number of clients who received appointment support during Q1 2026/27 is 28 less compared to the same period in 2025/26. N.B. These figures do not include the number of calls/emails from people looking for signposting information. Debt Under Management Advice Works and Renfrewshire Citizens Advice Bureau continue to deal with a high level of enquiries regarding debt. The combined level of new debt cases under management is shown below, by quarter over the last 6 years. The levels reported in Q1 for 2026/27 have increased in comparison to the previous years. This will be monitored to establish if it has become a trend, or whether it could be another outlier like the 2024/25 figures. - 500 1,000 1,500 2,000 2,500 3,000 3,500 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Combined Advice New Client Cases 2021/22 2022/23 2023/24 2024/25 2025/26 2026/27 £0.00 £500,000.00 £1,000,000.00 £1,500,000.00 £2,000,000.00 £2,500,000.00 £3,000,000.00 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 New Debt Under Management 2021/22 2022/23 2023/24 2024/25 2025/26 2026/27
Page 14
Scottish Welfare Fund There have been 3,248 applications for Crisis Grants between April 2026 and July 2026 with £229,025 awarded. This is an average award rate of 60.9%. Nationwide, the main reasons for a CG not being awarded are “reasons for application do not meet the conditions of award” and “excluded as a result of previous applications”. Generally, awards are restricted to 3 within a 12-month rolling period however discretion can be used. In Renfrewshire, discretion isfrequently exercised. Cost-of-living pressures will for many households result in immediate financial crises more often with less flexibility to manage budgets. Nationwide 52% of Crisis Grant awards are made to single persons, with 22% made to single parents. This suggests single people and single parents, who rely on one income within the household, are financially struggling in terms of income and disproportionately by expenditure due to housing, energy, fuel, and food costs. 0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200 1400 July '22 September '22 November '22 January '23 March '23 May '23 July '23 September '23 November '23 January '24 March '24 May '24 July '24 September '24 November '24 January'25 March'25 May'25 July'25 September'25 November'25 January'26 March'26 May'26 July'26 Crisis Grant Applications by month
Page 15
Key statistics - housing OVERVIEW 16,9275,565 265 4,643 • New homeless cases down slightly in 2026/27 Q1 compared to 2025/26 Q4. • No real change in the proportions of people reporting why they became homeless or where they are from. • A slight increase in the value of arrears compared to same period last year.
Page 16
Council Tenants in arrears As at the end of June 2026, 4,643 current tenants were in rent arrears totaling £2.512m. This figure includes all levels of arrears, some of which are caused by Universal Credit payment processes. Staff within Housing Services continue to work with tenants to address rent arrears and provide advice/signpost tenants to support services and agencies where financial difficulties are identified. For the period 1 April 2026 – 30 June 2026, 75 tenants have qualified for Tenant Support Fund assistance with £4,628 awarded. Homeless Cases The Housing and Homeless Advice Service had 265 new cases within Q1 2026/27 compared to 1,015 for the same period in 2024/25. The main reasons for presenting as homeless remains relationship breakdowns (family or partner). There is an unprecedented demand for the homeless service with the current caseload the highest on record which puts the service under significant and concerted pressure. The current caseload of 542, has increased by 78% over the last 3 years which puts a lot of stress on the system. To cope with the scale of cases the stock of temporary flats has been increased. £0 £500,000 £1,000,000 £1,500,000 £2,000,000 £2,500,000 £3,000,000 £3,500,000 £4,000,000 Current Tenant Arrears 2022/23 2023/24 2024/25 2025/26 2026/27 0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 New Homeless Cases 2022/23 2023/24 2024/25 2025/26 2026/27
Page 17
Housing CostsAverage Monthly Rent Costs From the Office for National Statistics’ local housing statistics publication for July 2026, figures show average rent changes. These statistics are based predominantly on advertised rents, so do not represent rent changes for existing tenants. Local Housing Allowance (LHA) rates are the maximum amount that can be paid for Housing Benefit and Universal Credit (Housing Costs) for those renting from a private landlord. Any shortfall between charged rent and the amount of HB/UC Housing Costs awarded would have to be made up by the tenant, although Discretionary Housing Payments can be awarded to provide support. The 2026/27 rates remain frozen at the January 2024 rate. Property Prices and Mortgage Affordability The average price of a home in Renfrewshire was £159,000 in May 2026, which was 3.4% higher than the average in May 2025. The average price paid by first-time buyers was £129,000 up from £126,000 the previous year. Across Scotland, the average house price in May 2026 was £196,000, which was more than a year earlier (£187,000). Average house prices for all property types continue to rise. The house prices combined with recent higher rates have driven up the average monthly mortgage repayment amounts. Whilst the Bank of England base interest rate fell in December 2025, it is expected that future rates could increase in the short to medium term, to ensure inflation rates remain at levels consistent with the 2% target. Renfrewshire Monthly LHA Rates 2026/27 LHA Rate 1 Bedroom Shared £360 1 Bedroom £400 2 Bedroom £525 3 Bedroom £600 4 Bedroom £1,100 Type of Property Average Price Average Monthly Mortgage Repayment (Assuming 25- year repayment, 4.5% interest rate and 10% deposit) Flat £102,000 £500.00 Terraced £163,000 £815.00 Semi-detached £220,000 £1,100.00 Detached £364,000 £1,820.00 Average Monthly Rents in Renfrewshire Jun-26 Annual Change in Average Rents 1 Bedroom £509 0.0% 2 Bedroom £670 -0.7% 3 Bedroom £860 -1.2% 4 or more Bedrooms £1,516 -1.4%
Page 18
No embedded text on this page.