Benefit payments worth a total of £1.7million were given to East Renfrewshire residents in the last financial year, according to a new report.

Figures released by Social Security Scotland show the sum was paid out through 11 different benefits between the start of April 2021 and March 31 this year.

Ben Macpherson, minister for social security and local government, said: “We ensure money goes directly to people who need it most, including carers, disabled people and families on low incomes.

“This week, our transformative Scottish Child Payment has been extended to all eligible young people under the age of 16 and increased to £25 per week, per child – a 150 per cent rise within eight months of introducing this important benefit, which is only available in Scotland.

“We encourage all those who are eligible for support to apply and are committed to treating everyone with dignity, fairness and respect.”

David Wallace, chief executive of Social Security Scotland, added: “Four years ago, we began delivering our new social security service for Scotland after listening to people who had experience of the benefits system.

“They helped us create a service based on our values of dignity, fairness and respect and we continue to listen to them as we grow and deliver more benefits.”

The 11 benefits received by East Renfrewshire residents were Carer’s Allowance Supplement, Best Start Grant Pregnancy and Baby Payment, Best Start Grant Early Learning Payment, Best Start Grant School Age Payment, Best Start Foods, Funeral Support Payment, Young Carer Grant, Job Start Payment, Scottish Child Payment, Child Winter Heating Assistance and Child Disability Payment.

For more details, visit www.socialsecurity.gov.scot.