OVER 7,000 households in East Renfrewshire are set to receive a cost-of-living payment.

It comes after the UK Government has confirmed that the latest £300 of financial aid will be paid automatically into the bank accounts of those eligible for the support between October 31 and November 19.

The cash is part of a package worth £900 in total to help people on means-tested benefits throughout the country.

On top of that, eligible pensioner households will also receive a further £300 later in the year.

Across the local authority, 7,300 households are expected to receive the payment.

Welcoming the news, Eastwood MSP Jackson Carlaw said it shows that the UK Government is continuing to "step up" support for the most vulnerable.

He said: "The UK Government is providing vulnerable people in Eastwood with a further £300 in cost-of-living financial support.

"Households in Eastwood who are eligible for the support do not need to go through any sort of application process as the payments will be made automatically into people's bank accounts.

"This is part of a cost-of-living package, worth £900 in total, that the UK Government is providing to those who need it most.

"The additional £300 payment demonstrates that the UK Government is continuing to step up support for many people on low incomes who are struggling with the current cost-of-living problems.

"The global cost-of-living pressures are continuing to cause challenges for many people and the financial aid will help with the payment of bills."

Individuals who are eligible for the support payment do not need to apply for it, as it will be paid directly into their bank account.