New programme sets out work to make a Fairer Renfrewshire

Renfrewshire families and communities are set to benefit from the allocation of additional funds by Renfrewshire Council to continue advice, support and wellbeing programmes.

An additional £585,000 has been added to the Fairer Renfrewshire Programme pot after being approved by councillors at the most recent Leadership Board, building on the £450,000 allocated as part of the Council’s budget set in February 2025.

Just over £1million is available to deliver the 2025–26 Fairer Renfrewshire programme, which includes continuing:

• breakfast clubs at targeted schools
• Cost of the School Day fund across all high and primary schools
• £50 Winter Clothing Grant for every family who receive a School Clothing Grant
• advice support provided by the Council’s Advice Works team and Renfrewshire Citizens Advice Bureau
• Summer of Fun and Winter Connections programmes
• Skoobmobile, peer health education in secondary schools, and Digital Champions initiatives.

As part of allocating funding, £144,000 will be used to support local organisations Active Communities and Renfrewshire Citizens Advice Bureau to deliver health and wellbeing services and advice services. Further grant funding will be allocated throughout the year through the Summer of Fun and Winter Connections programmes.

The team will also use funding to develop local initiatives, including work to support the Gallowhill community, new Scots, child poverty, and low-cost healthy food.

Councillor Jacqueline Cameron, depute leader of Renfrewshire Council and chair of the Fairer Renfrewshire sub-committee, welcomed the programme.

She said: “The work of Fairer Renfrewshire continues to make a difference through some tough times for households and families. Bills, energy and everyday costs remain much higher than before the cost-of-living crisis. It’s important we do as much as we can to support residents.

“The programme for 2025–26 focuses on initiatives that we know benefit people and communities the most. One of the most important things to support people struggling financially is getting the right advice. It’s why it’s proposed Fairer Renfrewshire continues to fund the Renfrewshire Citizens Advice Bureau who provide advice to parents and carers with a child at secondary or ASN school through the School Support Service.

“The backbone of Fairer Renfrewshire is the collaborative approach of the programme. The Council works with partner organisations, third sector and community groups, and Fairer Renfrewshire Lived Experience Panel to develop and continue initiatives that make the most difference.”