A FINANCIAL support service run by Citizens Advice staff has helped households in East Renfrewshire save more than £11,000 over the past nine months.

Funded by the Scottish Government, the Money Talk Team offers families advice on how they can reduce their bills and make sure they are getting all of the benefits they are entitled to.

A total of 112 households in East Renfrewshire have turned to the service for help since the coronavirus pandemic began last March and, on average, have saved almost £100.

Aileen Campbell, Cabinet Secretary for Communities and Local Government, said: “We know that there are many families who are facing and have experienced unexpected financial difficulties as a result of Covid-19.

“The Money Talk Team has already provided so much support to households and we know there are more who can benefit from help to make their money go further.

“Whether it’s finding out about any benefits or grants you might be eligible for or ways in which you might make savings on your household bills, we want families to know they are not in this alone.

“The Money Talk Team can help them determine what they are entitled to in these unprecedented times.”

Derek Mitchell, chief executive of Citizens Advice Scotland, added: “We know the pandemic has had a difficult impact on family budgets and our message to people is that help is there and they should claim what they are due.

“That’s what our welfare state is for – everybody pays in and gets the support they need.”

For more information about the service, call the free helpline on 0800 085 7145.

Alternatively, you can visit the website at https://moneytalkteam.org.uk.