East Renfrewshire Council Aids Residents in securing £8m

East Renfrewshire Council’s Money Advice and Rights team has been making waves in the community by helping over 5,000 residents secure a whopping £8 million through their support services. The Money Advice and Rights (MART) service offers free, expert, and confidential money advice to locals in East Renfrewshire, and in the 2023/24 period alone, they worked tirelessly to help clients maximize their income through benefit assessments and claims, appealing benefit decisions, and managing debt.

Impressively, 91% of individuals who received advice and support from the team successfully went on to make a benefits claim, leading to the remarkable £8 million total gain, which is a substantial £2.5 million increase from the previous year. This significant achievement showcases the valuable impact that MART has on the lives of East Renfrewshire residents, especially in the current challenging economic climate.

Aside from their day-to-day support services, the MART team collaborates with other services and has dedicated officers to assist specific groups such as adult learners, older people, parents, job seekers, and veterans. This tailored approach ensures that everyone in the community receives the necessary support to improve their financial situation.

Owen O’Donnell, the Council leader, expressed his appreciation for the remarkable work done by the MART team, stating: “The substantial amount raised for our residents highlights the indispensable service MART offers to the people of East Renfrewshire. With the cost of living crisis affecting many individuals, referrals to MART are on the rise. It is reassuring to witness the team’s success in maximising people’s income.”

He further added, “The expert staff at MART are equipped to handle various circumstances, whether it’s assisting parents, older individuals, veterans, job seekers, or those struggling with debt. If you find yourself in a challenging financial situation and need support, I urge you to reach out to them to discover how they can help you.”

Overall, the exceptional work carried out by the Money Advice and Rights team at East Renfrewshire Council underscores the importance of providing essential financial support to the community, especially during times of economic uncertainty. Their dedication and commitment to helping residents navigate financial challenges serve as a beacon of hope and assistance for those in need.