1b. Data Dashboard March 2026 v0.2
Renfrewshire Council · 25 March 2026
Back to Fairer Renfrewshire Sub-committee — 25 March 2026 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 2026 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 3.75% 3.0% £20.73 132.14p 3.6% £1,641 • CPI Inflation and food inflation trend is continuing to reduce. • Interest Rates held at 3.75%. • Energy price cap decreases from April, with prepayment meters comparatively cheaper than direct debit.
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Inflation The CPI inflation rate inJanuary 2026 is 3.0%, a drop from the 3.4% rate in December. The increase is not consistent across all categories and there are fluctuations. The reduction in the CPI Rate for January 2026, was largely because of a drop in the price of food and transport. Food prices rose at a rate of 3.6% but there were downward effects to the change in the rate from 6 of the 11 food and non-alcoholic beverages classes. Analysts are predicting that the rate of inflation is likely to fall close to 2.2% in Q4 of 2026, previously forecasting this would happen in 2027. Interest Rates The Bank of England’s base rate was held at 3.75% in February 2026. Interest rates are difficult to predict, however many analysts are predicting rates are on a gradual downward path. Recent price volatility and future price pressures (labour costs, the conflict in the Middle East and global adverse weather conditions) could lead to further increases in inflation which may dampen the likelihood of the interest rate being cut quickly if inflation rates fluctuate. 0.00 1.00 2.00 3.00 4.00 5.00 6.00 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 May-25 Sep-25 Jan-26 CPI Inflation Rates Food Inflation CPI
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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 3,210 in January 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 2.7% and is less than the Scotland rate (3.0%) 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 Renfrewshire 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 2024 to September 2025, of the 27,100 people aged 16-64 that are classed as economically inactive, 87.5% 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 (12.5%) is lower than that of the rates in Scotland (18.1%) and Great Britain (20.5%). 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 24% Other 15% Long-Term Sick 34% Retired 15% Looking after family/home 12% Economically Inactive, not looking for work
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Fuel Prices From the UK Government’s weekly fuel price publication, the average UK pump price on 2 March 2026 is 132.14 pence per litre for petrol, and 142.15 pence per litre for diesel. The recent escalation of tensions in the Middle East has already seen an increase in the price of oil which could lead to future rises in the price of fuel at the pumps. 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 2026 the Energy Price Cap will decrease to £1,641 per year for those on a monthly direct debit, and to £1,597 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 2020 Winter 2021 Summer 2021 Winter 2022 Summer 2022 Autumn 2023 Winter 2023 Spring 2023 Summer 2023 Autumn 2024 Winter 2024 Spring 2024 Summer 2024 Autumn 2025 Winter 2025 Spring 2025 Summer 2025 Autumn 2026 Winter 2026 Spring Direct Debit Prepayment
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Key statistics - social security OVERVIEW 21,043 10,410 4,991 4,577 • 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 September 2025.
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Universal Credit Households on Universal Credit (UC) continue to rise with 21,043 households in Renfrewshire receiving UC as of November 2025 (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 2026. In July 2025, the DWP published statistics showing the impact of the two-child limit policy on families in receipt of UC. As of April 2025, in Renfrewshire there were 1,170 households in receipt of UC with 3 or more children. Of these, 840 households are not receiving a child element for at least one child. The current monthly UC child element amount is £292.81 per month (rate from April 2025). In the Autumn Budget statement, it was announced that the two-child limit policy will be ended in April 2026. 0 5000 10000 15000 20000 25000 Number of Renfrewshire Households on UC
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Free School Meals and Clothing Grants The 2025/26 Free School Meals and Clothing Grant application process commenced at the start of June 2025. The number of applications received between June 2025 and February 2026 (4,067) is down compared to the corresponding period as last year (4,275). The award rate at the end of February 2026 (81.6%) is higher than at the same point last year (78.0%). This drop could be down to fluctuations in school rolls and eligibility and there could also be less repeat or duplicate applications. Large numbers of Child Tax Credit claimants did not move to UC and therefore could have lost eligibility. 0 1000 2000 3000 4000 5000 6000 2021/22 2022/23 2023/24 2024/25 2025/26 Number of FSM/CG Applications Received up to end of February
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Key statistics - financial insecurity OVERVIEW 1,315 £0.853m 5,385 2,515 • Foodbank vouchers issued down slightly compared to last quarter, and a decrease compared to the same period last year. • Number of Crisis Grants applications awarded is up compared to the same period last year and spend is up. • Number of people approaching local advice agencies up this period, mirroring the wider trend.
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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. There has been an increase in Benefit Delays/Sanctions, Homelessness and Domestic Abuse being a specified reason in 2025/26 comparing the same period in 2024/25. Foodbank Vouchers Foodbank vouchers issued in Q3 2025/26 (1,315) assisted 912 children and 1,712 adults. 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 comparison Apr-Dec 2024/25 2025/26
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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 Q3 2025/26 is 16 more compared to the same period in 2024/25. 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 5 years. The levels reported in Q1 for 2024/25 look to be outlier figures with Q1 figures for 2025/26 returning to figures closer to 2023/24 and the remainder of 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 - 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
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Scottish Welfare Fund There have been 8,356 applications for Crisis Grants between April 2025 and February 2026 with £642,660 awarded. This is an average award rate of 64.44%. 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 Crisis Grant Applications by month
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Key statistics - housing OVERVIEW 16,6855,425 285 4,943 • New homeless cases down slightly in Q2 compared to Q1, although 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, but a decrease in the value of arrears compared to same period last year.
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Council Tenants in arrears As at the end of January 2026, 4,943current tenants were in rent arrears totaling £2.65m. 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 2025 – 31 January 2026, 105 tenants have qualified for Tenant Support Fund assistance with £20,236 awarded. Homeless Cases The Housing and Homeless Advice Service had 285 new cases within Q2 in 2025/26 compared to 283 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. There is a 14% increase in applications at the mid-point of 2025/26 compared to 2024/25. The key challenge is the number of homeless cases at any one time, and this puts pressure on the temporary accommodation team who need to find more temporary properties to accommodate families. 221 247 214 250264 261 227 274 244 283 242 246 317 285 0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 New Homeless Cases 2022/23 2023/24 2024/25 2025/26 £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
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Housing CostsAverage Monthly Rent Costs From the Office for National Statistics’ local housing statistics publication for January 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 £160,000 in December 2025, which was higher than the average of £153,000 in December 2024. The average price paid by first-time buyers was £131,000 up from £125,000 the previous year. Across Scotland, the average house price in December 2025 was £191,000, which was more than a year earlier (£182,000). 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 will decline slowly and over a longer timescale 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 £103,000 £515 Terraced £163,000 £815 Semi-detached £219,000 £1,095 Detached £361,000 £1,805 Average Monthly Rents in Renfrewshire Jan-26 Annual Change in Average Rents 1 Bedroom £528 5.9% 2 Bedroom £695 5.0% 3 Bedroom £896 4.6% 4 or more Bedrooms £1,565 3.1%