A new contract which will see Citizens Advice staff provide support to people in crisis has been awarded by Renfrewshire Council.

The deal for services from Renfrewshire Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) – worth an initial sum of around £740,000, excluding VAT – will run for two years from July, with the option to extend for a further year until the end of June 2026.

It will follow on from the current contract, which runs out this summer, after councillors gave it their seal of approval at a meeting of the finance, resources and customer services policy board.

Councillor Jacqueline Cameron, depute leader of the council, said: “I’m really pleased to see increased funding for the Citizens Advice Bureau.

“I went to visit them last year and they were talking about the increase that they’ve obviously had due to the cost-of-living crisis.

“It’s a well-deserved increase [in funding], it’s a much-needed increase and I’m really appreciative of the work that they do.”

A report to the board detailed the extent of the advice services provided by the CAB for people in the local area.

These can range from issues such as debt to housing and employment.

The report states: “Across Renfrewshire many people are affected by debt and financial problems. It is recognised that advice plays a key role in supporting households through challenging financial circumstances.

“It is also recognised that people usually only seek support once a crisis point is reached and advice becomes vital to help them resolve their issues.

“Renfrewshire Council wishes to commission a service that will not only support those in crisis but encourage clients to engage earlier and obtain advice before crisis point is reached.”

The precise contract value will be £741,400, excluding VAT, for the first two years.

If the extension period is used, this will become a total sum of £1,112,100, without VAT.