There are 100 more people now claiming Universal Credit in West Dunbartonshire than in January, according to new figures.
Statistics published by the Department for Work and Pensions show that the number of claimants in the area has risen by 106 from 4551 to 4657.
This is also reflected in trends across the country, with a 1.8 percent rise.
Payments are due to rise by 1.7 percent in April, the first increase since 2015.
Gareth King from the Dumbarton Citizens Advice Bureau said: “Uprating payments in line with the cost of living is important but the freeze was an effective cut to people’s incomes over the past five years.
“While the end to the benefits freeze does not reverse that cut, it is a welcome first step.”
West Dunbartonshire MSP Martin Docherty-Hughes said: “As the number of people on Universal Credit goes up, so too does the number of families forced into foodbanks and rent arrears.
“It says it all that members of the House of Lords are now given a daily allowance that is higher than my constituents on universal credit have to get by on for a whole month.”
