A series of measures to help Renfrewshire's vulnerable during the cost-of-living crisis have been given the green light.
The broad package of support, which includes winter clothing payments and plans for warm spaces, was approved by councillors at Wednesday's Leadership Board.
A sum of £300,000 will facilitate the delivery of an additional £50 payment for each child who currently receives a school clothing grant, while £50,000 will go towards the creation of sites people can visit to heat up over a cup of tea or coffee.
Additionally, £100,000 will go to Renfrewshire Citizens Advice Bureau to run an advice pilot in high schools.
Don't miss the latest headlines from around Renfrewshire. Sign up to our newsletters here.
It was also confirmed that a special meeting of the Fairer Renfrewshire sub-committee — a task force formed to focus support for those affected by the crisis — will be scheduled for the end of September or early October.
Council depute leader Jacqueline Cameron, who also chairs that group, said: "There is a lot to welcome here and it demonstrates our commitment to tackling the cost-of-living crisis, particularly the elements where there's direct support and money goes directly into people's pockets.
"Some of the projects like warm spaces and the community food fund are really important as well, but given the scale of the crisis, which goes beyond even locally and nationally, it's really at UK level that we need that extra support.
"It's a small light in a very bleak landscape at the moment, so while it's welcome I absolutely agree that there's more conversations to be had and we always said that the Fairer Renfrewshire sub-committee would be a board that would listen and talk to other people and collaborate, as well as deciding what we can do with what we've got."
The council's intervention comes as rising inflation and energy costs inflict several financial pressure on people in the area.
A report to the board described the predicament facing residents as “deeply concerning”, adding that services and partners were reporting “increasing incidence” of people unable to meet growing household costs.
However, it is hoped the measures will provide some respite to those who are struggling.
The winter clothing grant is intended to allow families to purchase warmer items as the cold weather sets in and would be made directly to bank accounts in October.
A financial insecurity winter payment, which is presently paid at a flat rate of £100 per household, is due to be increased to £150 per household from next month.
The council, health and social care partnership and One Ren are exploring ways of working with local partners for a warm space approach that would work in this area. A working group will be formed to look at how existing buildings can be used for this purpose.
Additionally, allocations of almost £45,000 from the Community Food Fund and just over £14,000 from the Recovery Change Fund were approved.
Councillor Alison Ann-Dowling, depute leader of the Labour group, said: "I also warmly welcome the measures that are outlined here.
"I would like to add that given that we agreed to appoint a food and fuel champion, I would like to think that she will play a key role in coordinating all of the activities that we are talking about, because that's exactly why the role was created."
However, she drew attention to the need for support for local businesses, who have been impacted by inflationary pressures and supply chain issues.
"I think it is something that we do have to have a look at," she said. "Is there anything that we can put in place?
"I realise that we don't have deep pockets at the moment, so I'm very much putting it out there to see if we can put our heads together collectively and come up with some offers."
Download the FREE Renfrewshire Live app now for all the latest news, features and sport in your area. Available on both Android and Apple. Download here: smarturl.it/RenfrewLiveSocial
