Mum hits out at delay for uniform voucher
AMUM-of-five fears her children will be starting the new school term in their tracksuits due to a delay in the school clothing voucher scheme.
Rebecca Kennedy has blasted East Dunbartonshire Council as “unorganised” after she was told she could face a further two-week wait to receive the cash boost – despite pupils returning to the classroom in just 21 days.
The 35-year-old said the application was only made available to parents last week and the council warned parents there is no way of knowing how long it will take to process.
Rebecca, who lost her partner five years ago, said: “I really rely on that money and when I called I was told they couldn’t give me a timescale as they’re still processing applications. The shops are starting to run out of stuff and I have to order blazers weeks in advance but I won’t be able to. This is the latest they’ve ever left it and, on top of lockdown causing stress, this is now giving parents unnecessary anxiety.”
Rebecca is due to receive a total of £500 to help with the cost of her children’s uniform. However, as many other councils have opted to increase the clothing grant by up to £80 per child, Rebecca has questioned why EDC hasn’t followed suit. She said: “If other councils can be organised like this, why can’t they? At this rate they’ll be going back in their tracksuits.”
Ann Davie, depute chief executive for education, said: ”Unfortunately we have had a technical problem with our webpage which meant the service has had to be taken offline temporarily until we resolve the underlying issue.
“We are currently working with our third-party support partner to fix the problem and we hope to have the service restored. We apologise for any inconvenience this may have caused but once the service is restored we will process applications as quickly as possible to allow parents and carers to make their purchases in time for the new school term.
“We are committed to supporting all those eligible to these important awards and to ensuring that they receive the clothing grants as quickly and efficiently as possible.”