Measures aimed at tackling poverty applauded but dubbed 'sticking plaster' amid cost-of-living crisis

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Measures aimed at tackling poverty and supporting households in Renfrewshire during the cost-of-living crisis are ultimately a "sticking plaster" amid a much wider problem, the depute council leader has conceded.

Councillor Jacqueline Cameron, an SNP representative for Johnstone South and Elderslie, applauded the work of the local authority as it tries to help those most in need during a harsh economic climate.

But she admitted there is only so much it can do as she relayed figures from the Trussell Trust, which exposed the extent people are struggling in Scotland and the rest of the United Kingdom.Earlier this month, the charity revealed that 55 per cent of people receiving universal credit ran out of food last month and couldn’t afford more, while 22 per cent were unable to cook hot food as they couldn’t afford to use their oven or other utilities.Reflecting on the data, Councillor Cameron, chair of the Fairer Renfrewshire sub-committee, said: "That's a disgrace in a country that's as resource-rich as ours is."A report on the work of Fairer Renfrewshire was discussed at last Wednesday's leadership board, providing an update on projects including Winter Connections, the lived experience panel and breakfast snack provision, among others.

It was also agreed £150,000 would be dedicated to tackling inequality in the area – an issue the council considers a key priority for 2024.Renfrewshire Live, the new free app dedicated to bringing you around the clock breaking news, is now available to download.Powered by the Paisley Daily Express, Renfrewshire Live is your go-to source for news, features and sport with live coverage provided direct to the app, seven days a week.The dedicated team of experienced journalists, responsible