This is in addition to more than £6m the local authority has already distributed from Scottish Government grants to support Covid recovery and renewal.

The most recent measures approved cover a wide range of initiatives across the council and HSCP including:

• Almost £700,000 to ensure that the HSCP can respond to increased volume and capacity needs,
• £168,500 in winter support payments to low income families,
• More than £100,000 to extend Citizen Advice Bureau staffing, specifically supporting older people,
• £80,000 to support tenants in financial difficulty and £100,000 to further help those facing homelessness.
• Additional resourcing for a community-led winter support activities,
• £60,000 for the Food Dignity Network.

Funding approved earlier in the year has already supported many people across East Renfrewshire, including vulnerable individuals with cost of living challenges which have been exacerbated by the pandemic. Children and young people, especially those with additional support needs, young families and those experiencing domestic abuse, were also supported through activities to improve their mental health and wellbeing.

This funding was provided by the Scottish Government to support pandemic recovery and renewal, and this is the final distribution of available funds.

Council leader Owen O’Donnell said: “Residents continue to face real struggles in the wake of the pandemic and still in the midst of a cost-of-living crisis, so it’s reassuring that we’ve been able to extend our vital support measures as we head into the difficult winter months. The package includes financial assistance and allows council and CAB staff to expand and build-on their support for residents, but it also aims to improve the mental health and wellbeing of some of the most vulnerable groups in our communities, many of whom suffered the most during the pandemic.

“We recently reviewed the effectiveness of the projects we’ve implemented to date and it was clear the funding has had a significant impact on the most vulnerable. From the distribution of £100 ‘Shop Local’ gift cards to over 4,500 low-income households to warm and welcome spaces, the initiatives have had a varied and wide-ranging impact.

“I would like to highlight the dedication of staff and the partnership working across all council departments together with police, fire and third sector colleagues led by Voluntary Action East Renfrewshire; every partner is equally determined to support our residents in these difficult times. If you’re facing any struggles, including the increased cost-of-living, please get in touch and find out how the council and our partners can help.”