Concerns have been voiced that a “cold, windy and wet summer” in Renfrewshire could have forced residents to turn their heating on early as the cost-of-living crisis rumbles on.

The worry has been expressed by Councillor Alec Leishman, a Conservative representative for Erskine and Inchinnan, who admitted he had to switch his own on in July.

And he wondered whether unusual weather in recent months has led to residents losing the “breathing space” from fuel costs typically afforded at this time of year.

Councillor Leishman told Wednesday’s Fairer Renfrewshire sub-committee: “Scottish winters are famously harsh but I think there’s a particular concern for me now. This is very anecdotal but I think many people relate to it.

“Historically one of the benefits of summer is that you can switch your heating off for a bit. That’s not been the case this [summer].

“I definitely know for the first time in years I’ve had to have my own heating on in July.

“I can’t remember the last time I had to have the heating on in July, which will just add to fuel poverty and pressure for the winter.

“Normally a little bit of warmth in the summer can allow you to maybe put a bit aside for the winter or at least give you a bit of breathing space … Are you actually receiving feedback from any partners that you work with about fuel poverty and the strains of a particularly cold, windy and wet summer?”

The elected member raised the issue as it was disclosed Winter Connections – a warm spaces initiative which includes events for people to connect with others in their area – is set to return for a third year in the coming weeks.

Annabelle Armstrong-Walter, the council’s strategic partnerships and inequalities manager, told Councillor Leishman she hadn’t personally encountered feedback of that nature as of yet.

She added: “The only thing I can think of that has touched the edges of that was when I was looking through some of the feedback for the Summer of Fun programme, where parents were reflecting on how difficult it was to entertain children and be at home throughout the summer.”

The officer then said: “I’m not aware of any feedback, it’s certainly something we can ask partners. I think it’s a good point and likely to be a challenge.

“As you say, for a lot of people building the credit up over the summer is what buffers the winter cost.”