A UNIVERSAL Credit event will be held in Barrhead to inform residents about the new benefit.

Hosted by East Renfrewshire MP Paul Masterton, the event will provide guidance on how to apply for financial support.

Universal Credit, which has replaced six means-tested benefits and tax credits, is intended to simplify the benefits system but has proven to be controversial, with critics claiming it has forced more people into debt.

In attendance at the Barrhead event will be representatives from the Citizens Advice Bureau, East Renfrewshire Council, Pioneer Mutual Credit Union and Barrhead Housing Association.

Mr Masterton said: “Universal Credit has now been rolled out in East Renfrewshire and claimants have started to receive their first instalments.

“Major changes such as these can have some teething issues, so I’m staging this event to help any constituents who are struggling with the system.”

The event takes place at the Voluntary Action East Renfrewshire (VAER) base, in Kelburn Street, on Friday, October 26, from 1pm until 3pm.