Renfrewshire residents are being hit with a six per cent hike in council tax.

The increase was confirmed this afternoon as Renfrewshire Council met to set its budget for 2023/24.

It means that, from next month, the annual bill for those in a Band D household will rise by £81.

Council chiefs have agreed to make £8.3million worth of cuts to local services over the next financial year.

There will also be a below inflation 5% increase in service charges and council tenants are being hit with a 5.5% rent rise.

SNP finance convener John Shaw said the local authority's £483.2million budget would build a "fairer Renfrewshire" and supports the council's financial sustainability. 

He added: "Setting this year's budget has been hugely challenging, against a backdrop of the cost- of-living crisis and the continuing long-term impact of the pandemic. 

"Considerable service savings have contributed to supporting this budget, building on more than £160million saved by the council since 2010 and we are acutely aware more difficult decisions will be needed over the coming years to protect vital services."

The budget also brings together £5million in funding for people most in need through the Fairer Renfrewshire programme.

This includes more money for the Scottish Welfare fund and for Renfrewshire Citizens Advice Bureau as well as a summer activity programme with a healthy meal for children and young people from low income families and a winter school clothing payment.

Investment in roads and footpaths also continues through a £6.7million boost as well as funds to improve road safety in Renfrewshire villages.

And a £1,000,000 fund will promote community collaboration and better wellbeing while supporting Renfrewshire’s net zero targets.

There was a commitment to protect the ongoing five-year, £424.2million capital investment programme which includes transforming Paisley town centre cultural venues and improving transport links across the area.

The budget also includes £450,000 in play areas and the expansion of the concessionary swim programme to pre-school children.

Cultural groups and organisations will benefit from £200,000 to replenish the Culture, Heritage and Events Fund which has supported 135 different creative projects in recent years.

There is also funds to increase the foster and kinship care allowance by 10%.

Renfrewshire Council leader Iain Nicolson said: "We're investing more in children, young people and their families, making sure we put money into the pockets of people who need it most.

"Fostering and kinship care has a hugely positive impact on a child’s future and so it’s vital we acknowledge the vital role they play.

"Replenishing the hugely popular cultural fund, investment in our villages and more money for play areas builds on significant investment in recent years benefiting every council area.

"And we are proud to be protecting the capital investment programme which is bringing new jobs and opportunities and making Renfrewshire a great destination to live, visit, work and invest in."