A Paisley councillor was reading a cost-of-living report when a constituent contacted him and said they had been “sick and really hungry” for weeks.

Graeme Clark, a retired minister, relayed the harsh reality of the crisis when discussing a council paper detailing the financial pressures on households.

The document, brought before the Fairer Renfrewshire sub-committee, summarised the work the council is doing to support the vulnerable – covering advice services, food insecurity and its lived experience panel.

Councillor Clark, who represents Paisley Northeast and Ralston, said on Wednesday: “It’s not good reading in one way because we realise the effect that it’s having on everybody’s life.

“I was reading this yesterday when I got a text from a constituent, who said they don’t have any money coming until Friday. ‘I’ve no electricity, gas or food for about seven days, something to eat every two days and I’ve been sick and really hungry right now for weeks.’

“That was a message I got while I was reading this.

“It really brings home the importance of the Fair Food Renfrewshire and the work that we’re doing on fuel and poverty.

“It’s very real when you get down to the people that we’re working alongside and so thank you for this work.”

Councillor Jacqueline Cameron, chair of the sub-committee, responded: “I know that frontline services probably see a lot more of that sort of instance than maybe we do as elected members but obviously we have people getting in touch with us who have these problems.

“That’s a sad story but hopefully you can help and direct them and signpost them.”

Councillor Marie McGurk, who represents Paisley Southeast, welcomed the report and described it as “quite extensive”.

“There’s some really good work in progress in here,” she added, “While I’m disappointed in the unfortunate conversation you had, Councillor Clark, with your constituent, I’m glad that they came to you in the first instance and secondly that you’ve now put them on to the right services they need.

“That’s the importance of this. That’s why we have Fairer Renfrewshire.”