Staff can help residents with benefit forms, appeals, budgeting and/or debts.

And money advice experts will provide free, confidential, impartial and independent advice and help people resolve their problems with any types of debt.

Cllr McAlpine, convener for corporate services, said:“To help east renfrewshire residents resolve their financial problems we have set up weekly drop-in clinics. Our welfare rights and money advice staff are experts in their area and will offer free, confidential, impartial and independent welfare rights and debt advice to anyone who comes along.

“for anyone who can’t make it to a drop-in we can also give advice by phone or by e-mail and if you have mobility or access issues, we can visit you in your home.” The free drop-in clinics are at Barrhead Council offices, 211 Main Street every Wednesday between 9am and 1pm and 2pm and 4pm and at Eastwood HQ, Rouken Glen road, Giffnock G46 6UG every Thursday from 9am and 1pm and 2pm and 4pm.

An appointment service is also offered at Eastwood HQ on a Monday, freephone 0800 052 1023 and ask for money advice appointments.

Residents can also call money advice for free on 0800 052 1023 and quote ‘money advice’ .