Agenda Document Pack - Fairer Renfrewshire Sub-committee - 04/09/2024
Renfrewshire Council · 4 September 2024
Back to Fairer Renfrewshire Sub-committee — 4 September 2024 and its agenda
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27/08/2024 Notice of Meeting and Agenda Fairer Renfrewshire Sub-committee Date Time Venue Wednesday, 04 September 2024 10:00 Council Chambers (Renfrewshire), Council Headquarters, Renfrewshire House, Cotton Street, Paisley, PA1 1AN Membership Councillor Jacqueline Cameron (Convener): Councillor Graeme Clark (Depute Convener): Councillor Anne Hannigan: Councillor Alec Leishman: Councillor Marie McGurk: Councillor Iain Nicolson: Councillor Andy Steel: Hybrid Meeting Please note that this meeting is scheduled to be held in the Council Chambers. However, it is a hybrid meeting and arrangements have been made for members to join the meeting remotely should they wish. Members of the Press and Public Members of the press and public wishing to attend the meeting should report to the customer service centre where they will be met and directed to the meeting. Further Information This is a meeting which is open to members of the public. A copy of the agenda and reports for this meeting will be available for inspection prior to the meeting at the Customer Service Centre, Renfrewshire House, Cotton Street, Paisley and online at http://renfrewshire.cmis.uk.com/renfrewshire/CouncilandBoards.aspx For further information, please email democratic-services@renfrewshire.gov.uk MARK CONAGHAN Head of Corporate Governance
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27/08/2024 Webcasting of Meeting This meeting will be filmed for live or subsequent broadcast via the Council’s internet site – at the start of the meeting the Convener will confirm if all or part of the meeting is being filmed. To find the webcast please navigate to https://renfrewshire.public-i.tv/core/portal/home
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27/08/2024 Items of business Apologies Apologies from members. Declarations of Interest and Transparency Statements Members are asked to declare an interest or make a transparency statement in any item(s) on the agenda and to provide a brief explanation of the nature of the interest or the transparency statement. 1(a) Cost-of-Living Update Report by Chief Executive. 1 - 14 1(b) Cost-of-Living Dashboard Presentation by Chief Executive. 15 - 32 2 Fairer Renfrewshire Programme Update Report by Chief Executive. 33 - 40 3 Digital Inclusion Presentation by Chief Executive. 4 Summer of Fun 2024 Presentation by Chief Executive.
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1 ________________________________________________________________________ To: Fairer Renfrewshire Sub-Committee On: 4 September 2024 _____________________________________________________________________ Report by: Chief Executive _____________________________________________________________________ Heading: Cost-of-living Update ________________________________________________________________________ 1. Summary 1.1 At each of the Fairer Renfrewshire Sub-Committee meetings, an overview of key context and evidence around current pressures on household finances, both in terms of household income and expenditure has been provided to members. 1.2 Since the last meeting of the Sub-Committee on 5 June 2024, there have been a number of changes in economic factors including a decrease in the Energy Price Cap from 1 July 24, (although this is due to rise again in October), meaning households are paying slightly less currently for their energy use, while inflation has also decreased, meeting the 2% target set by the UK Government for May and June, then rising again to 2.2% in July (announced on 14 August). Interest rates also reduced on 1 August based on the inflation decreases in May and June. Elected members are asked to note that: • The rate of inflation is standing at 2.2%, having reduced to 2% (May and June 24), so now is slightly above the target rate set by the UK Government for the Bank of England • The inflation rate for food has continued to reduce; now 1.5%. • The Bank of England has reduced the interest rate to 5% from 5.25%. The rate had been at 5.25% since August 2023 until it was reduced on 1 August. • The Energy Price Cap, originally introduced by Ofgem in January 2019 to set limits on the underlying rates energy suppliers, is now set at £1,568 from the 1 July until 30 September. This is £122 lower than the previous quarter, however will rise to £1,717 from 1 October. 1.3 This paper provides an overview of information collated by officers in relation at both a national and local level where available. Item 1(a) Page 1 of 40
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2 2. Recommendations 2.1 It is recommended that members of the Fairer Renfrewshire Sub-Committee note the content of the report. 3. Background 3.1. At the Fairer Renfrewshire Sub-Committee meeting on 5 June 2024 an overview of key context and evidence around current pressures on household finances, both in terms of household income and expenditure was examined. 3.2. Although there have been some reductions in financial pressures, as detailed in 1.2, costs for households are still high. Over the three years between May 2021 and May 2024 food prices rose by 30.6%. The Office for National Statistics June ‘Public opinions and social trends, Great Britain bulletin’ reported that 87% of adults see the cost of living as an important issue facing the UK, with this higher, at 93%, for those aged 16 to 29 years. 3.3. 51% of adults in June 2024 stated that their costs of living had increased compared with the month before and over the past two years, the proportion of people finding it very or somewhat difficult to afford their rent or mortgage has gradually increased from around 3 in 10 (30% in the period 16 March to 27 March 2022) to around 4 in 10 (42% in the latest period). 3.4. According to StepChange Scotland, Scotland’s households continue to be under pressure, with households headed by women, disabled, or young people at the sharpest edge of the cost of living crisis. They also point to a growing impact on in-work households, who are relying on credit and falling behind on essential bills. 4. Impacts of cost-of-living crisis Living costs 4.1. The latest insights into the cost of living from the Office of National Statistics in June found: • 51% of adults said their costs of living had increased compared with one month ago, while 47% said it had stayed the same. This has decreased gradually since October 2022 when 80% of adults reported an increase. • For those who reported an increase, costs of food shopping at 93%, fuel at 52% and energy bills at 47% were the most commonly reported reasons. • 4 in 10 people are finding it difficult to pay for energy or housing. 4.2. Although the Financial Conduct Authority cost of living survey found that from January 2023 to January 2024, fewer people are finding it hard to manage the higher costs of living many people are still struggling with finances. Their figures show that 4.3m more people are “coping” with the cost of living, 3.5m fewer people feel “heavily burdened” by their bills and credit commitments, and 1.1m fewer people have fallen behind or missed a payment on one or more bill or credit commitment in the last 6 months. However: Page 2 of 40
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3 • 14.6m people report “not coping” with the cost of living • 7.4m feel heavily burdened by their bills or credit • 5.5m people across the UK report falling behind on a bill or credit commitment in the last 3 months. 4.3. This survey also shows no decline in the numbers across the UK who have gone without meals or used a Foodbank. 5. Employment and Wages 5.1. According to the ONS, the Claimant Count, which is taken from JobcentrePlus administration systems, for those claiming unemployment-related benefits in Renfrewshire remains at 3.1% as it was in March 2024. This currently equates to 3,575 people aged between 16 and 64 and is down from June 2023, when there were over 3,700 claimants. 5.2. Around 26,200 people aged 16 to 64 years in Renfrewshire were "economically inactive" in the year ending March 2024. This is an increase based on the previous reported figure of 25,100 in the year ending December 2023. People are classed as "economically inactive" if they are not in employment but don't meet the criteria for being "unemployed". This means they have not been seeking work within the previous four weeks or were unable to start work within the next two weeks. Common reasons include being retired, looking after the home or family or being temporarily or long-term sick and disabled. Of those who are economically inactive, 86.4% are not looking for employment. 5.3. The ONS has reported that on average regular pay excluding bonuses rose by 5.7% in the three months to May 24, compared with the same period a year earlier. That was a slight fall from the Page 3 of 40
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4 6.0% increase seen in the previous quarter. Annual growth in real terms (adjusted for inflation using the Consumer Prices Index including owner occupiers’ housing costs (CPIH)) for regular pay was 2.5%, and for total pay was 2.2%. 5.4. Average weekly earnings in both total pay and regular pay (excluding bonuses) remains strong and shows a steady increase over the long term. Average weekly earnings were estimated at £689 for total earnings, up from £677 in the quarter to February 24 and £643 for regular earnings, up from £633. Debt 5.5. StepChange Scotland published their Scotland in the Red report on 26 June 24. The report highlights how cost of living and inflationary pressures continue to impact households and identifies how their clients in Scotland continue to be affected by problem debt. 5.6. Although the report is based on clients who have come forward to StepChange Scotland for debt advice, the report gives an indication of the issues households are facing. • 25% of their clients say their main reason for problem debt is costs of living • 31% of their clients are in a deficit budget, meaning their spend on essentials is higher than their income can cover • 55% of their clients are in full or part time work • 43% have children with 22% being single parents 5.7. The Renfrewshire clients who used this service on average had £18,851 in unsecured debt and £3,311 arrears in household bills. 69% were in arrears with at least one household bill, with 42% Page 4 of 40
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5 of all clients behind on energy bills. This figure rose for those receiving Universal Credit, with 75% of those receiving this benefit in arrears with dual fuel bills. 5.8. Elected members will note from the Cost of Living Dashboard that the amount of debt under management by both Renfrewshire Citizens Advice and Advice Works has sharply risen in the last quarter, at £2,408,161 compared to £740,768 in the previous quarter. RCAB have pointed to an increased amount of debt from mortgages as the main reason for the increase they have seen, with people struggling as fixed rate mortgage deals end and repayments increase. This increase in housing costs has a knock on effect with clients ‘maxing out’ credit cards on household expenditure and then coming forward for debt advice when they cannot afford to make payments. 5.9. This may be driving an increase in clients who are working coming forward for advice. Figures from Renfrewshire Citizens Advice Bureau show that of the 1446 clients seen this quarter, 455 were working either full time or part time. The numbers of those working who are accessing the service has risen steadily over the last year. 5.10. Advice Works are not seeing the same progressive rise, however in the last 2 quarters do show an increase in employed clients, with over 200 being seen in Q4 of 23/24 and 191 in Q1 of 24/25. Previous quarters averaged around 160. Advice Works also note that their new case management system seems to capture more robust information than the previous system, so some of the increase in debt may be ascribed to this. These trends will be monitored over time, with further information captured around debt and changes in client type. 6. Benefits 6.1. The UK Government has announced that older adults of state pensionable age in England and Wales not in receipt of Pension Credit or other means tested benefits will no longer be entitled to Winter Fuel Payment. The payment can be worth between £100 and £300 depending on circumstances. 0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 450 500 Q1 23/24 Q2 23/24 Q3 23/24 Q4 23/24 Q1 24/25 Numbers of Clients working RCAB Page 5 of 40
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6 6.2. This benefit has been devolved to Scotland, and the Scottish Government had previously announced it would replace Winter Fuel Payments with its own scheme called the 'Pension Age Winter Heating Payment' (PAWHP) this coming winter. These payments would still be worth between £100 and £300 and would be paid to everyone over State Pension age. 6.3. On 14 August, the Scottish Government announced that due to the change in Block-Grant associated with the change to eligibility for Winter Fuel Payment, the payment in Scotland will also be restricted to those on eligible benefits. PAWHP will also be deferred until 24/25, to allow more time to plan in light of the change to eligibility criteria. Because Winter Fuel payment has already been devolved, Scottish Government are in discussion with the Department for Work and Pensions which has committed to administer a payment equivalent to Winter Fuel Payment to older people in Scotland this year. 6.4. Using figures from DWP it is estimated that around 2,500 households in Renfrewshire may be missing out on Pension Credit, and therefore this will need to be a key focus of local partners in the coming months. 7. Inflation and the Impact on Households 7.1. UK consumer prices, as measured by the Consumer Prices Index (CPI) were 2.2% higher in July 2024 than a year before, with the inflation rate rising slightly from 2% in May and June 24. This means that the cost of living is still rising but at a rate that the Bank of England had expected. The increase is largely due to the prices of gas and electricity falling by less than they did a year ago. 7.2. In August, the Bank of England stated that they think inflation is likely to increase to 2.75% towards the end of 2024, then fall back again after that. In June, the largest upward contribution to the monthly change in the inflation rate came from restaurants and hotels, where prices of hotels rose more than a year ago; the largest downward contribution came from clothing and footwear, with prices of garments falling this year having risen a year ago. In July, hotel costs fell, however energy costs didn’t fall as much as expected. 7.3. As previously reported, a falling inflation rate does not mean that price levels are falling. It means that prices are rising, but more slowly than they were before. For example, if the annual inflation rate is 2.2%, this means prices are rising by 2.2% compared with a year before. 7.4. UK food and non-alcoholic drink prices were 1.5% higher in June 2024 compared with the previous year, based on the CPI measure of inflation. This continued the decline from the recent peak of 19.1% in March 2023, which was the highest rate of increase in food prices since 1977 according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). Over the three years between May 21 and May 24, food prices rose by 30.6%. It previously took over 13 years from January 2008 to May 2021 for average food prices to rise by the same amount. The main downward effects came from a combination of bread and cereals, meat, and fruit. 7.5. The Food Foundation (www.foodfoundation.org.uk) produce a ‘Basic Basket Tracker’, which tracks a basket of food for both a working age male and female over time to give an indication of Page 6 of 40
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7 trends in food prices and how this might be impacting on the cost of buying sufficient food. The male basket has slightly more items and men have higher calorie requirements and so this basket costs slightly more than the female basket. The products in the basket are based on the Minimum Income Standard basket developed by Loughborough University’s Centre for Research in Social Policy funded by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation and are based on prices at Tesco. 7.6. The tracker shows that since April 2022, the price of the women’s basket has increased by 23.8% while the man’s has increased by 26.2%. The basket include items such as milk, eggs, cheese, fruit and vegetables, tinned soup, bread and tea and coffee. 7.7. Analysis of the basket has shown that not only has the overall cost increased but that these increases were even more significant for vegetables in the basket. The cost of the vegetables has risen by 39% on average, with some items like carrots increasing by as much as 150%. This is significantly higher than the overall increase of both the baskets and indicates that many may be facing barriers to eating healthily. 7.8. In Renfrewshire 1,400 Foodbank Vouchers were issued in Quarter 1, in comparison with 1,148 issued in the same quarter the previous year, an increase of almost 22%. The vouchers covered 1863 adults and 866 children this year, which was an increase in total number receiving assistance compared to the same quarter last year (1473 adults and 589 children). 7.9. The rising costs of essentials remains the most commonly cited factor in the reason for voucher issue in Renfrewshire, at 716 times. This is compared to the second most cited factor, ongoing impact of physical or mental health condition at 185 times. Priority debt continues to be the third most cited factor, at 164 times. Page 7 of 40
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8 7.10. The table below shows the number of Vouchers fulfilled per Ward in Quarter 1 2024/25 compared to Quarter 1 last year. Although numbers are still small, the highest percentage rise was within Bishopton, Bridge of Weir and Langbank, where 21 vouchers were issued in Q1 this year, compared to 12 last year. Paisley Northwest had the highest numerical rise, from 372 to 481, a rise of 29%. 7.11. Renfrewshire Foodbank has recently opened and extended their Paisley distribution on a Wednesday afternoon to 18.45 to ensure people who are employed can access this. This service has been used by a number of people, however figures for those with income from earnings in Q1 remain consistent with those in the latter quarters of last year. 8. Interest Rates 8.1. The Bank of England has a target to keep inflation at 2%. In May and June the inflation rate was 2%, the lowest rate in 3 years, however, the Bank of England kept interest rates at 5.25% for the 7th consecutive month. On 1 August, however, the interest rate was reduced to 5%. This reduction means that mortgage holders on a variable rate will see an immediate reduction of an average £28 in their monthly mortgage payments. Many homeowners, however, still face the prospect of much higher mortgage rates when their current fixed rate expires. 0 100 200 300 400 500 600 Foodbank Vouchers per Ward Number of Vouchers Q1 (23/24) Number of Vouchers Q1 (24/25) Page 8 of 40
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9 8.2. More than 8 in 10 mortgage customers have a fixed rate mortgage. According to the banking trade body, UK Finance, 1.6 million existing borrowers in Britain have fixed term mortgages at a relatively cheap level due to expire this year, many of them at rates of less than 2%. According to Moneyfacts, the average two-year and five-year fixed rate mortgages currently available are 5.92% and 5.5% respectively. A recent report by the Bank of England, said that about three million households were set to see their mortgage payments rise in the next two years, including 400,000 mortgage holders who were facing some “very large" payment increases. 8.3. The next announcement on Interest Rates will be on 19 September, however Bank of England governor Andrew Bailey said following August's rates decision: "Inflationary pressures have eased enough that we've been able to cut interest rates today." But he warned: "We need to make sure inflation stays low and be careful not to cut interest rates too quickly or by too much." The International Monetary Fund has also warned that persistent inflation might mean interest rates have to stay higher for longer, with financial markets expecting two reductions in rate by the end of 2024, taking rates down to 4.75%. 9. Housing costs Rental Costs 9.1. According to the ONS, private rental prices in Renfrewshire rose to an average of £749 in June 2024, an annual increase of 9.5% from £684 in June 2023. This was higher than the Scottish rise of 8.4% over the year. Average rents as of June 2024 in Renfrewshire/Inverclyde were: • One bedroom: £469 • Two bedrooms: £624 • Three bedrooms: £808 • Four or more bedrooms: £1,454 Page 9 of 40
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10 Taking the data instead by property type, average rents were: • Flats and maisonettes: £580 • Terraced properties: £743 • Semi-detached properties: £796 • Detached properties: £1,214 Home ownership 9.2. According to figures from Registers of Scotland and the ONS, for people living Scotland the gap between what people earn and the average price of a home has grown substantially over the last 20 years. In 2003/04 the average home cost 3.8 times the typical salary - a gap of £55,000 between income and house price. But by last year that had increased to 5.2 times the average annual pay - a gap of £150,000. 9.3. Local figures show that the median cost of a home in Renfrewshire is now £145,000, while a new home averages £298,000, while the average Scottish annual salary is £35,518. 9.4. Widening house price to income ratios make it more difficult for 1st time buyers to become home owners, and Registers of Scotland Data shows that the volume of house sales funded by a mortgage has dropped from 84.5% in 2007/8 to 64% most recently. This has implications for those who are renting, and will subject to increases made by landlords throughout their lives. This is especially pertinent for future retirees, who would have previously had no housing costs due to owning their home outright after paying off their mortgages, and will now continue to have rental costs throughout retirement. 9.5. For those buying a home, ONS figures indicate the average price paid by first-time buyers in Renfrewshire was £131,000 in May 2024. This was 5.6% higher than the average of £124,000 in May Page 10 of 40
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11 2023. For homes bought with a mortgage, the average house price was £172,000 in May 2024. This was 3.4% higher than the average of £161,000 in May 2023. Tenant Satisfaction 9.6. A report was brought to the Communities and Housing Policy Board in August 2024, with the results of a Tenant Satisfaction Survey. 9.7. Seven in ten respondents (70%) were of the opinion their rent represents very or fairly good value for money. Although satisfaction with this indicator has reduced from 83% it has also seen a very large shift in those who responded Neither Satisfied Nor Dissatisfied from 7% in 2022 to 18% in 2024. The 12% of respondents who felt the rent they paid was not good value for money were asked to explain why they had said that. The main reasons were that rents were too expensive, dissatisfaction with rent increases or dissatisfaction with the quality of the home. 9.8. This response is not unexpected in the context of the last few years when both tenants and social landlords have been facing some of the most challenging economic times. The cost-of-living crisis continues to cause hardship for many social housing tenants, whilst landlords are also facing increasing costs to deliver their core services whilst investing in maintaining and improving their homes. However, it remains the case that our average rental charge is lower than that of other social housing providers in Renfrewshire. 9.9. The survey asks a wide range of questions relating to how tenants feel about; their own homes, neighbourhoods and general environment, services provided, and how these could be improved, value for money; and how the Council communicates with them and how they prefer to receive information. It was also noted there are some disparate satisfaction results for certain groups, in particular disabled tenants and lone parent households. Page 11 of 40
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12 10. Fuel – Energy Costs for Households 10.1. Every three months, Ofgem reviews and sets a level on how much an energy supplier can charge for each unit of energy. This is known as the price cap. From 1 July to 30 September 2024, the price cap fell by 7%. Therefore, an average household on typical usage, paying by Direct Debit for dual fuel is currently paying £1,568 a year, down £122 from the previous cap. It has been announced, however, that from 1 October, the cap will rise again by 10% to £1,717, an increase of £149 on the current cap. 10.2. From 1 October, households on prepayment meters will pay slightly less than those on direct debit, with a typical bill of £1,669 a year. The rates per unit for both gas and electricity are slightly less for those with a pre-payment meter compared to those that pay by Direct Debit, with standing charges charged at the same rate. The current predictions from analysts Cornwall Insight are that after the 1 October rise, the Energy Price Cap will rise again by 3% in January 2025, to £1,762 a year for a typical household. 10.3. Recent high costs of energy, as well as high costs of living more generally, have affected families with low incomes, with debt more common on priority bills. Ofgem data indicates that the number of accounts behind on their gas and electricity bills has reached the highest level since records began in 2012. Their data shows the total value of debt and arrears owed by customers to suppliers has risen substantially since 2018. After sustained increases during 2021 and the first half of 2022, the value stayed relatively steady until Q1 2023, after which it has risen sharply. Between Q4 2023 and Q1 2024, it rose by 7%, from £3.10bn to £3.32bn. 10.4. Ofgem reports that previously there was typically a seasonal pattern to energy debt. Debt generally fell towards the end of the year when customers were billed for the warmer months. It then rose in the spring as customers fell into arrears following higher energy usage during the winter months. The seasonal trend was more pronounced with gas, most likely due to the importance of gas heating during winter, however, since 2018 this trend has all but disappeared. Page 12 of 40
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13 10.5. Consumer Scotland’s most recent tracker has found that energy bills are becoming more affordable, albeit still higher than two years ago, and households feel their financial outlook is improving. • Just over one quarter (26%) of households say that it is difficult to keep up with energy bills, down from 35% in winter 2022/23, and lower than at any point since they started the tracker survey. • The proportion of people expecting to feel worse off in three months’ time has fallen from 60% in winter 2022/23 to 30% in January/February this year. However: • More than one in twelve households (9%) in Scotland are in energy debt • 48% of those in debt are not confident they will be able to clear this debt. 10.6. Some groups are particularly likely to face affordability challenges and the most recent tracker shows households with an income of less than £20,000, households including disabled people, and those with a child under 5 years old are more likely to experience energy debt. Although consumers report cutting back spending to afford energy bills, those in energy debt are much more likely to do so. Page 13 of 40
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14 Implications of the Report 1. Financial – There are no financial implications associated with this report, which provides an overview of the position and is for noting. 2. HR & Organisational Development – none 3. Community/Council Planning – This report provides a detailed summary of the current evidence relating to household income and expenditure. Wider poverty related issues are a key element of both the Council and Community Plan and the information included within this report is part of the wider Strategic Needs Assessment for these plans. 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. Climate Risk - none 13. Children’s 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. 14. COSLA Policy Position – none Author: Diane Dunn, Fairer Renfrewshire Lead Officer, diane.dunn@renfrewshire.gov.uk Page 14 of 40
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Prepared by: Policy and Partnerships tacklingpoverty@renfrewshire.gov.uk Cost of Living Dashboard May 2024 Fairer Renfrewshire Item 1(b) Page 15 of 40
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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 16 of 40
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Key statistics - economy OVERVIEW 5.00% 2.2% £18.33 143.42p 1.5% £1,717 • Inflation trend falling, driven by decreases in food inflation • Reduction in interest rates • Energy price cap rising, with prepayment meters comparatively cheaper than direct debit • Hourly pay increasing, slightly ahead of Scotland average Page 17 of 40
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Inflation The inflation rate inJuly 2024 is 2.2%, down from 3.2% in March. The reduction is not consistent across all categories and there are differing future predictions, for example some forecasters suggest the poor summer weather potentially will result in a bad harvest which may lead to an increase in food prices. Interest Rates The Bank of England’s base rate recently reduced to 5.0%, having increased significantly over the last year, peaking at 5.25% from August 2023. Interest rate projections are difficult to predict, however many analysts are predicting modest decreases over the next two years. If the inflation rates match the 2.0% target, some analysts are predicting a further 0.25% reduction in November or December. 0.00 1.00 2.00 3.00 4.00 5.00 6.00 Aug 2016 Aug 2018 Mar 2020 Feb 2022 May 2022 Aug 2022 Nov 2022 Feb 2023 May 2023 Aug 2023 Oct 2023 Dec 2023 Feb 2024 Apr 2024 Jun 2024 Bank of England Interest Base Rates -5.0 0.0 5.0 10.0 15.0 20.0 25.0 Aug-16 Jan-17 Jun-17 Nov-17 Apr-18 Sep-18 Feb-19 Jul-19 Dec-19 May-20 Oct-20 Mar-21 Aug-21 Jan-22 Jun-22 Nov-22 Apr-23 Sep-23 Feb-24 Jul-24 CPI Inflation Percentages Food Inflation CPI Page 18 of 40
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Earnings Based on the ONS annual survey of hours and earnings, in 2023 the median hourly pay (excluding overtime) for workers in Renfrewshire is higher compared to that for workers in Scotland, or the rest of Great Britain. It should be noted that the median hourly wage for females in Renfrewshire is less than that for workers in Scotland. The gender pay gap has been declining slowly over time. £18.33 £18.09 £17.49 £19.23 £18.17 £18.15 £17.80 £18.00 £16.64 £15.00 £15.50 £16.00 £16.50 £17.00 £17.50 £18.00 £18.50 £19.00 £19.50 Renfrewshire Scotland Great Britain Full-time Workers Male Full-time workers Female Full-time workers 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 3,575. This is based on numbers claiming JSA and Universal Credit. These numbers are based on those aged 16 and over. The Renfrewshire unemployment rate of 3.1% is the same as Scotland (3.1%) but lower than that of Great Britain (4.0%). 3,200 3,300 3,400 3,500 3,600 3,700 3,800 3,900 4,000 4,100 Feb-23 Mar-23 Apr-23 May-23 Jun-23 Jul-23 Aug-23 Sep-23 Oct-23 Nov-23 Dec-23 Jan-24 Feb-24 Mar-24 Apr-24 May-24 Jun-24 Claimant Count Page 19 of 40
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Economic Inactivity The ONS Labour Force Survey also provides details on those aged 16+ that are economically inactive and not seeking work. Between April 2023 to March 2024, of the 26,200 people aged 16-64 that are classed as economically inactive, 86.4% 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 (13.6%) is lower than that of the rates in Scotland (16.5%) and Great Britain (17.3%). Student 23% Looking after family/home 20% Long-Term Sick 32% Retired 24% Other 1% Economically Inactive Page 20 of 40
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Fuel Prices From the UK Government’s weekly fuel price publication, the average UK pump price on 5 August 2024 is 143.43 pence per litre for petrol, and 149.10 pence per litre for diesel. 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 October 2024 the Energy Price Cap will rise to £1,717 per year for those on a monthly direct debit, and to £1,669 per year for those with a prepayment meter. Energy prices are predicted to increase further during the winter of 2024/25. It should be noted that between October 2022 and June 2023, no one paid the full amount under the Price Cap due to the UK Government’s Energy Price Guarantee which provided a discount on the Price Cap for households. £0 £1,000 £2,000 £3,000 £4,000 £5,000 Direct Debit Prepayment Page 21 of 40
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Key statistics - social security OVERVIEW 15,998 10,695 4,727 4,093 • Households claiming Universal Credit increasing, this includes new cases and managed migration from tax credits • Increase in number of children receiving Scottish Child Payment, largely positive as this is a relatively new benefit Page 22 of 40
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Universal Credit Households on Universal Credit (UC) continue to rise with 15,998 households in Renfrewshire receiving UC as of May 2024 (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 caseload closing this year. From April 2024, the managed migration process has commenced for those claimants still on Income Support, Jobseeker’s Allowance, Housing Benefit and Employment and Support Allowance. Recently published DWP statistics show the impact of the two-child limit policy on families in receipt of UC or Child Tax Credits (CTC). As of April 2024, in Renfrewshire there are 1,200 households in receipt of UC/CTC with 3 or more children. Of these 790 households are not receiving a child element/amount for at least one child. The current monthly UC child element amount is £287.92 per month. - 2,000 4,000 6,000 8,000 10,000 12,000 14,000 16,000 18,000 Aug-22 Sep-22 Oct-22 Nov-22 Dec-22 Jan-23 Feb-23 Mar-23 Apr-23 May-23 Jun-23 Jul-23 Aug-23 Sep-23 Oct-23 Nov-23 Dec-23 Jan-24 Feb-24 Mar-24 Apr-24 May-24 Number of Renfrewshire households on UC Page 23 of 40
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Free School Meals and Clothing Grants The 2023/24 Free School Meals and Clothing Grant application process commenced in June 2023 and closed in April 2024. The number of applications received during 2023/24 was down compared to the same period in 2022/23. The 2024/25 Free School Meals and Clothing Grant application process commenced at the start of June 2024. It is too early to draw any comparisons for the same three-month period with previous years. This will be provided in the next update. 0 1000 2000 3000 4000 5000 6000 7000 8000 9000 Applications Received Number of Children Awarded CG Awarded FSM Period June to April 2021/22 2022/23 2023/24 Page 24 of 40
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Key statistics - financial insecurity OVERVIEW 1,400 £2.4m 1,982 2,615 • Foodbank demand rising compared to last period and same period last year • Number of people approaching local advice agencies down this period, but wider trend is upward Page 25 of 40
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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 steady increase in the number awarded due to a Benefit delay or sanction. This will be monitored going forward, due to an increase in the sanction regime being implemented within Universal Credit. Foodbank Vouchers Foodbank vouchers issued in Q1 2024/25 (1,400) assisted 856 children and 1,863 adults. 973 979 1291 1243 1395 1009 1362 1632 1148 1295 1456 1368 1400 0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200 1400 1600 1800 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 Foodbank Vouchers Issued by Quarter 0 50 100 150 200 250 Reasons for needing more than 3 vouchers in the last 6 months - 2024/25 Page 26 of 40
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Advice Advice Works and Renfrewshire Citizens Advice Bureau (RCAB) are supporting a high level of new clients. The number of clients who received appointment support during 2023/24 compared to 2022/23 showed a 7.8% increase. N.B. These figures do not include the number of calls/emails from people looking for signposting information. Combined, there was a client financial gain of over £12m from advice provided by Advice Works and RCAB in 2023/24. 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 3 years. By comparing the debt under management during 2023/24 compared to 2022/23, there is a 30% increase. Whilst it might be too early to make a definitive statement, the higher levels may reflect the recent increases in interest rates resulting in more clients seeking advice and support. - 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 £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 Debt Under Management 2021/22 2022/23 2023/24 2024/25 Page 27 of 40
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Scottish Welfare Fund There have been 3,011applications for Crisis Grants between April 2024 and July 2024 with £210,556 awarded. This is an average award rate of 65.8%. 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 April '22 May '22 June '22 July '22 August '22 September '22 October '22 November '22 December '22 January '23 February '23 March '23 April ' 23 May '23 June '23 July '23 August '23 September '23 October '23 November '23 December '23 January '24 February '24 March '24 April '24 May '24 June '24 July '24 Crisis Grant Applications by month Page 28 of 40
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Key statistics - housing OVERVIEW 15,4694,964 244 4,480 • New homeless cases marginally down this period, but wider trend is upward. • Significant increase in people presenting who were either in private tenancies or living in parental/relative homes. • More tenants in rent arrears this period, although a decrease in the value of arrears compared to same period last year. Page 29 of 40
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Council Tenants in arrears As at the end of July 2024, 4,480 current tenants were in rent arrears totaling £2,690,100. 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 2024 – 30 June 2024, 22 tenants have qualified for Tenant Support Fund assistance with circa £1,390 awarded. Renfrewshire Council tenancy rents increased by 6% this year. Homeless Cases The Housing and Homeless Advice Service had 244 new cases within Q1 in 2024/25 compared to 264 for the same period in 2023/24. Homeless Services are predicting over 1,000 cases in 2024/25, with a significant increase in the number coming from the private sector. There was a 10% increase in homeless applications in 2023/24 compared to the previous year with the yearly total (1,026) being at the highest level for ten years. The largest increases inreasons given are being asked to leave, disputes/breakdown in relationship or other action taken by the landlord resulting in the termination of the tenancy.Financial difficulties could be a contributing factor to, or a consequence of the reasons given. £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 2024/25 221 247 214 250264 261 227 274 244 0 50 100 150 200 250 300 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 New Homeless Cases 2022/23 2023/24 2024/25 Page 30 of 40
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Housing CostsAverage Monthly Rent Costs From the Office for National Statistics’ local housing statistics publication dated July 2024, figures show average rent changes. These statistics are based predominantly on advertised rents, and 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 Housing Benefit/Universal Credit Housing Costs awarded would have to be made up by the tenant, although Discretionary Housing Payments can be awarded to provide support. Mortgage Affordability 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 August 2024, it is expected that future rates will decline slowly and over a longer timescale to ensure inflation rates remain at levels consistent with the 2% target. Renfrewshire Monthly LHA Rates Current LHA Rate April 2024 LHA Rate 1 Bedroom Shared £294 £360 1 Bedroom £350 £400 2 Bedroom £450 £525 3 Bedroom £550 £600 4 Bedroom £1,000 £1,100 Average Monthly Rents in Renfrewshire Jul-24 Change in Annual Average Rents 1 Bedroom £470 8.1% 2 Bedroom £625 8.5% 3 Bedroom £810 9.1% 4 Bedroom £1,456 8.7% Type of Property Average Price Average Monthly Mortgage Repayment (Assuming 25 year repayment, 5 year fixed initial agreement and 10% deposit Flat £98,400 £544 Terraced £137,000 £759 Semi-detached £195,000 £1,034 Detached £329,000 £1,817 Page 31 of 40
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1 ___________________________________________________________________ To: Fairer Renfrewshire Sub-Committee On: 4 September 2024 ___________________________________________________________________ Report by: Chief Executive ___________________________________________________________________ Heading: Fairer Renfrewshire Programme Update ___________________________________________________________________ 1. Summary 1.1. The Council and partners have a key focus on tackling inequality and improving wellbeing and have longstanding programmes of work and partnership arrangements in place such as the Tackling Poverty Programme and the change programme established in response to the findings of the Renfrewshire Drug and Alcohol Commission. 1.2. At Council on 2 March 2023 members reaffirmed their commitment to the Fairer Renfrewshire programme and outlined a number of investments including bringing together the current Fairer Renfrewshire funding alongside the Tackling Poverty and Social Renewal reserve funds into a single resource. 1.3. At Council on 29th February 2024, members further reaffirmed their commitment to the Fairer Renfrewshire programme with further investments in a number of targeted interventions being agreed including additional welfare rights funding, a targeted programme of summer activities for children and young people from low-income families, additional resource to explore inequalities experienced by older people and strengthen engagement with young people, and a further winter school clothing payment in 2024. 1.4. Work on priorities has continued with this paper containing updates on a number of key priorities at Section 4. 2. Recommendations 2.1 It is recommended that members of the Fairer Renfrewshire Sub-Committee note the report. Item 2 Page 33 of 40
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2 3. Background 3.1 As highlighted in Section 1, the Fairer Renfrewshire Programme brings together a number of existing programmes of work focussed on achieving fairness and equity, including the former Tackling Poverty Programme and Alcohol and Drugs Change Programme. These programmes are being brought together alongside the Council’s Social Renewal Plan, mapping a fairer future for Renfrewshire’s residents following the Covid-19 pandemic, as well as the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. 3.2. There are four key themes that underpin the Fairer Renfrewshire programme, and these are: • Improving financial security • Advancing equality of opportunity • Building community capacity and resilience • Listening to lived experience 4. Fairer Renfrewshire Programme Updates Summer of Fun 2024 4.1 In May 2024, funding of £100,000 was allocated through the Fairer Renfrewshire programme to support the development of a summer holiday programme, with a focus on providing support over the holiday period to low-income families. 4.2 A full evaluation report is currently being carried out, as with the 2023 programme, and this will be presented to elected members at the next Fairer Renfrewshire Sub-Committee meeting. 4.3 A presentation will be provided at the meeting on 4 September, which will aim to give elected members information gathered initially through this evaluation process. School Support and Family Advice Service 4.4 With the new school year having started in August, work has been ongoing with colleagues in Advice Works and Education as well as Renfrewshire Citizens Advice Bureau (RCAB) to boost numbers using the School Support Service across Secondary and ASN schools provided by RCAB and the Family Advice Service for families of Primary and ELCC schools provided by Advice Works. 4.5 Working alongside colleagues in Corporate Communications, plans are in place to ensure parents and carers are aware of the advice available to them. The plan includes updates to school websites and newsletters, texts to parents and wider communications including social media and a press release as well as attendance at parents’ nights. 4.6 Engagement with Education Managers will continue throughout the year to ensure relevant school and nursery staff, including pastoral staff are aware of the services and can signpost or Page 34 of 40
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3 refer parents who may benefit from advice around money and benefits. This will include parents who have school meal debt. 4.7 In addition to this promotion of the service, as part of the work to boost take up of advice by parents with low incomes, Advice Works have embedded a question about whether families need support with money as a part of the application process for Free School Meals and School Clothing grants. Any applicant who indicated they wanted support received an email immediately with information on financial supports available for families, where to access help with money and a link to Advice Works online referral form. One reminder was sent if no contact had been made, again including a link to the online form again and reminding them that help is available. 957 applicants indicated they would like support with money. The number of online referral forms have been limited to date at 11, and the service is still working through the reminder process. The income generated so far for this small cohort is around £8,500, although this is expected to rise. Lived Experience Panel 4.8 Elected Members have been given a number of updates relating to work of the Fairer Renfrewshire Panel. The August session of the Panel was used to examine and feedback on the Local Transport Strategy currently being developed. Early September will see the Panel Event with members of the Fairer Renfrewshire Sub-Committee and Officers Group, while the Events team will return later in September to discuss the plans for the Paisley Halloween event and feedback on outcomes from the previous meeting earlier in the year. 4.9 In October, the panel will visit the Russell Institute to carry on the conversation with Invest and see the changes made to the premises based on Panel feedback. Looking ahead the Panel have been commissioned by Renfrewshire HSCP to support them with work around the findings of their most recent Health and Wellbeing Survey, feeding back on the findings and helping identify priorities from the results. Community Needs Assessment in Gallowhill 4.10 As previously reported to the sub-committee, late in 2023, Renfrewshire HSCP was successful in a funding bid to NHSGGC Public Health to carry out a Community Needs Assessment (CNA) in Gallowhill, recognising the increase in Child Poverty rates in the Gallowhill and Renfrew South Ward. The commissioning process for an organisation to carry out the CNA has ended, and Active Communities are the successful organisation. 4.11 The CNA commenced at the start of July 2024 using the Place Standard Tool. An Engagement Event will be organised for autumn and Active Communities are also hoping to recruit volunteers from within the area to carry out the survey with their own social groups. Although the survey is online, it is hoped to complete the majority of forms face to face to capture honest discussion with community members. 4.12 85 surveys have been completed to date, 60 of these in person, allowing richer qualitative evidence to be gathered. Active Communities have been utilising community spaces and have the Page 35 of 40
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4 buy-in from local shops to engage residents there. With the new school term starting, they will be able to access parents via both primary schools as well as the early learning centres and Paisley Grammar school. 4.13 An application has been made to the Scottish Government Child Poverty Accelerator Fund to support the testing of new place-based approaches to child poverty in Renfrewshire, which would be informed by the CNA currently taking place. This is a joint bid with Renfrewshire HSCP, NHSGGC and Active Communities, with Renfrewshire council being the lead partner. The Scottish Government will inform applicants whether they have been successful in mid-September. 4.14 Over the summer holidays, Community Learning and Development summer camps ran in Gallowhill and post summer holidays, Invest in Renfrewshire are continuing their weekly employability outreach in Gallowhill Community Centre, with Digital Champions also attending the Community Centre to support digital inclusion. Thrive under 5 4.15 Following the launch of the Thrive under 5 programme to referral organisations, as previously described to the Sub-Committee, the launch of the programme for parents and carers in Johnstone took place on July. Supporting a minimum of 60 families, the service is targeted to parents in the child poverty priority groups who have children under 5 and offers: • 12 free shops at Active Communities Community Pantry • Access to Cooking Workshops and free equipment • A cooking starter pack and 8 weeks of free recipe kits • Money Advice from RCAB, including income maximisation • Physical activity opportunities for families provided by Active Communities 4.16 The first referral window for families closed in early August with 28 referrals made and 21 families accepted for the programme, with a mix of referrers including Social Work, GPs, nurseries and 3rd sector organisations. 4.17 Further tranches of recruitment will take place for families once this first group have been through the programme. Affordable Credit 4.18 As one of their funded projects, Renfrewshire Affordable Credit Alliance (RACA) was invited to present at the Scottish Illegal Money Lending Unit’s 20th Anniversary Conference in August. Over the last year, RACA has been working with a number of new partners to promote affordable credit options and so reduce illegal borrowing. 4.19 With a focus on social housing tenants, RACA has targeted local housing associations providing them with information and their newly launched ‘Your Good Guide to Credit’ booklet. While this engagement work is ongoing, Williamsburgh Housing Association have agreed to issue the Page 36 of 40
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5 booklet to all their new tenants, and RACA are working towards a similar agreement with Linstone, Ferguslie Park and Bridgewater Housing Associations. 4.20 Over the summer, RACA has supported Multiply sessions, Summer of Fun sessions for teenagers, including at the School of African Cultures and started working with the St Mirren Charity. They have also engaged with Invest in Renfrewshire around offering support within Job Clubs and their booklet is being handed out to parents and carers who are engaged in the Thrive Under 5 initiative. 4.21 They have also commenced work with two new affordable credit lenders, Salad Money who provide loans for those in employment and Moneyline, who provide small loans. Both of these organisations are not for profit Community Development Finance Institutions (CDFI) and offer loans only. While RACA still promotes our local credit unions which support savings and loans, and can help build financial resilience, CDFIs can offer loans to those who may need a quicker loan, or who would be too high a risk for a credit union to lend to. A loan from this type of organisation which offers fair finance can stop an individual approaching an illegal money lender, with the subsequent issues that may bring. 4.22 Using voices from their recent survey on debt borrowing and spending habits in Renfrewshire, RACA has recently developed an animation about loan sharks which has been cascaded to partners and promoted on social media. The survey revealed that people within Renfrewshire were using loan sharks, and while numbers weren’t large, each person had felt threatened by the lender, and in one case had been assaulted. RACA continues to work closely with the Scottish Illegal Money Lending Unit and local partners to reduce loan shark use in Renfrewshire. Pension Credit campaign 4.23 The UK Government has announced that older adults of state pensionable age in England and Wales not in receipt of Pension Credit or other means tested benefits will no longer be entitled to Winter Fuel Payment. This benefit has been devolved to Scotland, and the Scottish Government had previously announced it would replace Winter Fuel Payments with its own scheme called the 'Pension Age Winter Heating Payment' (PAWHP) this coming winter. These payments would be paid to everyone over State Pension age. 4.24 On 14th August, the Scottish Government announced that the payment in Scotland will also be restricted to those on eligible benefits. PAWHP will also be deferred until 24/25, to allow more time to plan in light of the change. Because Winter Fuel payment has already been devolved, Scottish Government are in discussion with the Department for Work and Pensions which has committed to administer a payment equivalent to Winter Fuel Payment to older people in Scotland this year. 4.25 While awaiting further detail on this payment, Advice Works and Renfrewshire Citizens Advice Bureau (RCAB), along with Corporate Communications, have planned a Pension Credit take up campaign to ensure as many of those eligible in Renfrewshire who have not yet claimed this benefit do so. Page 37 of 40
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6 4.26 The campaign will take place in early September, and should the Scottish Government or Department for Work and Pensions announce a similar campaign, will be tied to that to amplify the message. Alcohol and Drugs Change Programme 4.27 As reported previously to board, an evaluation of funded projects and initiatives which have been delivered in response to the recommendations of the Alcohol and Drugs Commission is now underway. In order to ensure continuation of key projects whilst the evaluation is completed, the programme board has recommended that additional funding of £46,000 from the Change Programme be allocated to support the MYLA project to be extended until March 2025. This is a housing led project in partnership with Turning Point Scotland, which provides intensive support to people with complex needs and aims to help improve outcomes for service users across a number of areas, including being able to sustain a tenancy. Positive outcomes data is emerging for this project and the extension of the funding will allow a full evaluation of the project to be completed to inform future funding recommendations. 4.28 The programme board has also recommended that £75,000 is allocated to support an organisation programme which will promote positive language and aim to reduce stigma. This will be linked to the Council’s values training and our wider work relating to trauma. 4.29 Through the Alcohol and Drugs Partnership in Renfrewshire, local partners are currently considering their response to the recently published drug related death figures which have been published at both a national local level. Through the Alcohol and Drugs Commission, partners considered the impact of alcohol and drug use for individuals, families and communities and it is very concerning that the number of drug related deaths in Renfrewshire remain high. 4.30 The local figures confirm that in Renfrewshire, there were 44 drug-related deaths in 2023 which represents an increase of 13% from 39 in 2022. This is the fifth highest number recorded in the past decade. Drug misuse deaths in Renfrewshire, 2014 to 2023 Page 38 of 40
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7 4.31 Renfrewshire had the seventh highest rate of deaths per 100,000 population (2019-2023) at 27.5 and above the Scottish average of 23.6. This is similar to the previous 5-year rate where we had also had the seventh highest rate of deaths at 28.9. 4.32 A more detailed update for members on the data available, and the steps being undertaken in Renfrewshire by partners to support people at most risk of harm, will be provided at the next meeting of this board. Implications of the Report 1. Financial – There are no financial implications associated with this report. 2. HR & Organisational Development – none 3. Community/Council Planning – The Fairer Renfrewshire Programme is a key driver in achieving the ‘Fair’ strategic outcome and theme within the Council Plan, and covers a number of the key actions identified in the plan. It also represents a significant partnership programme of work which supports the ‘Fair’ theme within the Community Plan, with dedicated partnership governance being established to ensure alignment between these areas of work. 4. Legal - none 5. Property/Assets - none 6. Information Technology - none 7. Equality and Human Rights – Equality and human rights are a key pillar of this plan, and it is anticipated that the programme will likely advance equality of opportunity. 8. Health and Safety - none 9. Procurement – none 10. Risk – none 11. Privacy Impact – none 12. Climate risk – none 13. Children’s 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. 14. COSLA Policy Position – none Page 39 of 40
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8 Author: Laura McIntyre, Head of Policy and Partnerships Page 40 of 40