East Renfrewshire Council has vowed it is "absolutely committed" to improving the lives of residents across the area after publishing its Annual Performance Report.

Created in video format for the first time, the 2021/22 report focuses on the council’s five strategic outcomes – early years and vulnerable young people; learning, life and work; economy and environment; safe and supportive communities; and older people and those with long-term conditions.

It summarises key highlights from the past year and is complemented by case studies.

Some of the achievements include providing 1,140 hours of funded early learning and childcare, as well as hot meals, for more than 2,300 children and boosting school leaver participation in education, training or employment to more than 97%, with East Renfrewshire ranked highest in Scotland.

In addition, more than £5million in Covid-19 business support grants were issued to help some 750 businesses and 250 self-employed people.

Also highlighted are recycling rates, which have risen to 58%, with East Renfrewshire achieving the best result of any council in Scotland.

And efforts to support local residents to "live well" at home have been praised, with 62% of people aged 65 or over who have long-term health conditions receiving care in their own home.

In the case study section of the video, local resident Joselyn Sammeroff, who received a Chromebook with the council's help, describes how it has impacted her life for the better, while Jodie Forrest, who works for the council’s Money Advice and Rights Team, details the support available for local people.

Councillor Owen O’Donnell, council leader, told the Barrhead News: “The past couple of years have been challenging for our residents and staff but it’s been amazing to see how everyone has joined together to support communities across East Renfrewshire.

"Council services are designed to guide our residents through all stages of their lives, from early years to their older years. We have continued to make progress by working together with our partners and the communities across these five priority areas to achieve the best outcomes for our residents.

"The latest Annual Performance Report outlines the difference we’ve made to our community members over the past year and we are absolutely committed to continuing to improve the lives of our residents as we strive to ensure East Renfrewshire remains a great place to live, work and visit.”

To view the report, visit eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk/performance-reports.

Anyone who would like to help shape council services for the future can join the East Renfrewshire Citizens Panel.

For more details, visit eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk/east-renfrewshire-citizens-panel or send an email to listening@eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk.