£600k held in reserve added to welfare fund

Renfrewshire Council has agreed to allocate an additional £600,000 to a fund that has helped vulnerable people during the cost-of-living crisis.

- JACK THOMSON, LOCAL DEMOCRACY REPORTER

The Scottish Welfare Fund (SWF) - delivered by the local authority on behalf of the Scottish Government-provides a safety net for people on low incomes through crisis and community care grants.

But the budget, as confirmed in a paper to the finance, resources and customer services policy board, remains “under significant pressure” as people struggle amid a challenging economic climate.

Elected members decided £600,000, which was previously held in reserve, should be added to the 2025/26 coffers to prevent a change in priority level.

The report explained: “As highlighted in previous reports, the Scottish Welfare Fund budget is under significant pressure.