More than 20 Renfrewshire Council tenants have been supported by a fund designed to help those who could be struggling to pay rent in recent months.

Figures have shown 22 people qualified for the local authority’s tenant support fund between April 1 and June 30 of this year, with just under £1,400 awarded.

A brief update was provided on the scheme, which launched last October, in a report to the communities and housing policy board on Tuesday.

At the meeting, Councillor Colin McCulloch, Labour group housing spokesperson, raised the point that the average award would work out at around £63 per applicant.

The Bishopton, Bridge of Weir and Langbank representative asked about any impact this would have on an individual’s circumstances.

Derek Murray, the council’s area housing manager, responded: “Although the monetary value seems low, what we utilise this for is it’s really a gateway for us to engage with the tenant base, start a conversation and look to see what we can do to basically maximise income and give income advice to the tenants.

“The support fund in isolation, the monetary value would look low but there are additional benefits that we’re gaining from the fund being in place.”

The report confirmed council officers would continue to speak with residents to “maximise access” to any entitlement to benefits and funds that are available.

It explained: “22 tenants qualified for the tenant’s support fund during the first quarter of this financial year (April 1 – June 30, 2024), with a total of £1,390.17 awarded.

“The scheme commenced in October 2023; therefore, there is no comparable period for last year.

“Officers continue to engage with tenants to maximise access to any underlying entitlement to benefits and funds available.”

Mr Murray added: “We are always reviewing it, as I’ve shared with the board, but at this moment in time it’s of use, definitely, but it’s actually a good avenue for us to engage with the tenant base.”