1b. Data Dashboard March 2025
Renfrewshire Council · 26 March 2025
Back to Fairer Renfrewshire Sub-committee — 26 March 2025 and its agenda
Text extracted from the council's PDF. Layout and reading order may differ from the original.
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Prepared by: Policy and Partnerships tacklingpoverty@renfrewshire.gov.uk Cost of Living Dashboard March 2025 Fairer Renfrewshire
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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
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Key statistics - economy OVERVIEW 4.50% 3.0% £19.52 139.11p 3.3% £1,849 • CPI Inflation and food inflation trend had been falling. Now starting to increase again. • Reduction in interest rates in February 2025 with further small cuts possible in 2025. • Energy price cap rising, with prepayment meters comparatively cheaper than direct debit. • Average hourly pay increasing, ahead of Scotland and GB average.
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Inflation The inflation rate inJanuary 2025 is 3.0%, up from 2.5% in December. The increase is not consistent across all categories and there are differing fluctuations. The increase in the CPI Rate for January 2025, was largely as a result of increases in transport and food and non-alcoholic beverage prices. The largest downward trend both came from housing and household services. Interest Rates The Bank of England’s base rate reduced to 4.50% in February 2025, 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. Analysts are now suggesting that the recent price volatility and future price pressures (e.g. fuel, energy, national insurance) could lead to an increase in inflation which may dampen the likelihood of the expected interest rate cuts. 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 Sep 2024 Dec 2024 Bank of England Base Rate Changes -5.0 0.0 5.0 10.0 15.0 20.0 25.0 Jan-19 May-19 Sep-19 Jan-20 May-20 Sep-20 Jan-21 May-21 Sep-21 Jan-22 May-22 Sep-22 Jan-23 May-23 Sep-23 Jan-24 May-24 Sep-24 Jan-25 CPI Inflation Rates Food Inflation CPI
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Earnings Based on the ONS annual survey of hours and earnings, in 2024 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 males in Renfrewshire is less than that for females, however when calculating median gross weekly pay females receive less earnings - £803.40 per week for males compared to £708.60 per week for females. 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 3,395. 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 2.9 % is less than the Scotland rate (3.1%) and lower than that of Great Britain (4.1%). £19.52 £19.19 £18.73 £18.97 £19.50 £19.37 £19.53 £18.95 £17.92 £17.00 £17.50 £18.00 £18.50 £19.00 £19.50 £20.00 Renfrewshire Scotland Great Britain 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 Claimant Count
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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 October 2023 to September 2024, of the 27,600 people aged 16-64 that are classed as economically inactive, 88.1% 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 (11.9%) is lower than that of the rates in Scotland (16.4%) and Great Britain (18.1%). 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 25% Long-Term Sick 30% Retired 27% Looking after family/home or Other 18% Economically Inactive
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Fuel Prices From the UK Government’s weekly fuel price publication, the average UK pump price on 3 March 2025 is 139.61 pence per litre for petrol, and 146.88 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 April 2025 the Energy Price Cap has risen to £1,849 per year for those on a monthly direct debit, and to £1,803 per year for those with a prepayment meter. The Energy Price Cap from July 2025 is predicted to fall very slightly. £0 £500 £1,000 £1,500 £2,000 £2,500 £3,000 £3,500 £4,000 £4,500 Direct Debit Prepayment
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Key statistics - social security OVERVIEW 17,118 10,615 5,286 4,624 • Households claiming Universal Credit increasing, this includes new cases and managed migration from tax credits and legacy benefits. • Slight increase in number of children receiving Scottish Child Payment compared to September 2024.
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Universal Credit Households on Universal Credit (UC) continue to rise with 17,118 households in Renfrewshire receiving UC as of November 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. July 2024 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 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 Jun-24 Jul-24 Aug-24 Sep-24 Oct-24 Nov-24 Number of Renfrewshire Households on UC
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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 2024/25 Free School Meals and Clothing Grant application process commenced at the start of June 2024. The number of applications received since June 2024 is down compared to the corresponding period as last year. The number of children awarded a Free School Meal shows a drop of 103, however there is a drop of 542 children being awarded a Clothing Grant for the same period. This drop could be down to fluctuations in school rolls and eligibility. Large numbers of CTC claimants did not move to UC and therefore could lose eligibility. Please note, that there are applications that have been received, where a decision has not yet been made which makes in-year comparisons difficult. 0 2,000 4,000 6,000 8,000 10,000 2021/22 2022/23 2023/24 2024/25 Period June to February Number of applications received Number of children applied Number of children awarded CG Number of children awarded FSM
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Key statistics - financial insecurity OVERVIEW 1,332 £1.1m 5,390 2,490 • Foodbank vouchers issued slightly up compared to last quarter, but a decrease compared to the same period last year. • Number of Crisis Grants applications received and awarded is down compared to the same period last year. • Number of people approaching local advice agencies down this period, but wider trend is upward
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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 decrease in overall cases, but steady increase in the number awarded due to a Benefit delay or sanction. There has been a quarterly decrease in low income being a specified reason, however these cases could be apportioned to another category. Foodbank Vouchers Foodbank vouchers issued in Q3 2024/25 (1,332) assisted 782 children and 1,705 adults. 973 979 12911243 1395 1009 1362 1632 1148 1295 14561368140013221332 0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200 1400 1600 1800 Foodbank Vouchers Issued by Quarter 0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 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 to… Other - low income Other Reason for needing more than 3 vouchers in the last 6 months (2024/25 Cumulative)
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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 2024/25 is only 16 less compared to the same period in 2023/24. 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 3 years. By comparing the debt under management during Q2&Q3 2024/25 compared to Q2&Q3 2023/24, there is a 2.26% increase. Whilst it might be too early to make a definitive statement, the levels reported in Q1 could be an anomaly. - 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
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Scottish Welfare Fund There have been 8,120 applications for Crisis Grants between April 2024 and February 2025 with £586,711 awarded. This is an average award rate of 66.4%. 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 Crisis Grant Applications by month
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Key statistics - housing OVERVIEW 16,0354,964 254 4,993 • New homeless cases marginally down in Q3 compared to Q2, but wider trend is upward. • No real change in the proportions of people reporting why they became homeless or where they are from. • More tenants in rent arrears this period, and a slight increase in the value of arrears compared to same period last year.
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Council Tenants in arrears As at the end of February 2025, 4,993 current tenants were in rent arrears totaling £2,809,573. 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 – 31 December 2024, 170 tenants have qualified for Tenant Support Fund assistance with £28,555 awarded. Renfrewshire Council tenancy rents will increase by 7.5% for 2025/26. Homeless Cases The Housing and Homeless Advice Service had 254 new cases within Q3 in 2024/25 compared to 227 for the same period in 2023/24. Homeless Services are predicting over 1,050 cases in 2024/25, with a significant increase in the number coming from the private sector. The current caseload of homeless applications is the highest recorded figure since 2022. The number of people in temporary accommodation is also reported to be at the highest figure ever seen, even at the height of Covid when housing supply was at a virtual standstill. 221 247 214 250264 261 227 274 244 283 254 0 50 100 150 200 250 300 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 New Homeless Cases 2022/23 2023/24 2024/25 £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
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Housing CostsAverage Monthly Rent Costs From the Office for National Statistics’ local housing statistics publication dated February 2025, 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 2025/26 rates have been frozen at the Jan. 2024 rate. 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 February 2025, 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 March 2025 LHA Rate April 2025 LHA Rate 1 Bedroom Shared £360 £360 1 Bedroom £400 £400 2 Bedroom £525 £525 3 Bedroom £600 £600 4 Bedroom £1,100 £1,100 Type of Property Average Price Average Monthly Mortgage Repayment (Assuming 25 year repayment, 5 year fixed initial agreement and 10% deposit Flat £101,000 £505.25 Terraced £156,000 £780.39 Semi-detached £214,000 £1,070.53 Detached £364,000 £1,820.91 Average Monthly Rents in Renfrewshire Jan-25 Annual Change in Average Rents 1 Bedroom £499 9.0% 2 Bedroom £663 8.7% 3 Bedroom £858 9.1% 4 or more Bedroom £1,515 7.1%