More and more people are being “pushed into financial stress” by the cost-of-living crisis, an elected member has warned, as Renfrewshire Council offers specialist advice to its tenants.

Figures show approximately 1,700 income advice cases – which cover themes involving money and budgeting – in the local authority have involved households from council tenancies this financial year.

Staff have been supporting people who are entitled to assistance, ranging from universal credit to financial insecurity funds, to access that help amid the challenging economic climate.

Councillor Colin McCulloch, Labour group communities and housing spokesperson, welcomed the steps being taken by the council to offer guidance to struggling residents.

He said: “The ongoing cost-of-living crisis is pushing more and more people across our communities of all backgrounds into financial stress.

“For those on low incomes, it is becoming clear that the continued grip of inflation is eating into household incomes in a way that is unparalleled in modern times.

“Many households are faced with impossible choices on which bills to pay or to feed themselves and their families.

“That we live in communities where food banks are becoming more prevalent than high street banks is a national disgrace.”

The data was revealed in a service update report, which will be considered by elected members at Tuesday’s communities and housing policy board.

Officers have also been supporting tenants to meet their long-term rent payment responsibilities, the paper disclosed.

Between its commencement in October and the end of November, 96 individuals were referred for assessments for the tenant support fund.

Councillor McCulloch, who represents Bishopton, Bridge of Weir and Langbank, added: “We expect the council housing services to be sympathetic to those in rent arrears and to offer as much flexibility and understanding as is possible when attempting to get households onto manageable arrangements to clear any rent arrears owed.

“I encourage all those struggling with their household finances to seek help from the comprehensive network of debt and money advice services across Renfrewshire.”