Advice services across Renfrewshire helped residents secure more than £13 million in additional income and financial gains over the past year, councillors have been told.A report presented to Renfrewshire Council’s Fairer Renfrewshire Sub-committee revealed that Advice Works and Renfrewshire Citizens Advice Bureau (RCAB) secured a combined £13.37 million for local residents during 2025/26.
The figures were highlighted as part of an update on the Fairer Renfrewshire programme, which focuses on tackling poverty, improving wellbeing and supporting households facing financial pressures.
Advice Works assisted 3,711 new clients during the year and resolved 16,729 benefit cases. The service secured financial gains totalling £10.73 million for residents.
RCAB supported 6,332 clients during the same period and generated financial gains of £2.64 million.
The report also highlighted the impact of specialist support for families.
Family Advice received 107 new referrals during the final quarter of the year, with 50 involving families from one of Scotland’s six child poverty priority groups. The service secured £85,000 in financial gains for 441 families during 2025/26.
Meanwhile, RCAB’s School Support Service assisted 128 clients, generating £301,700 in financial gains. That included £142,000 in Universal Credit payments and £24,754 through Child Disability Payment.
Council officers said work is continuing to encourage more families to access financial advice and support.
As part of that work, a family advice pathway has been promoted to schools and family wellbeing teams across Renfrewshire to help identify households that may benefit from additional support.
The report noted that helping residents maximise their income and access support before reaching crisis point remains one of the key priorities of the Fairer Renfrewshire programme.
The update was considered by councillors at a meeting of the Fairer Renfrewshire Sub-committee on Wednesday, 3rd June.