Uniform move to be ‘welcomed by many’

The administration has rejected a number of controversial proposals put forward by officers. These include axing the Fife Bus service and calling a halt to rail concessions.

Changes are coming in education, which accounts for half of the local authority’s entire budget. Possible savings suggested by officers would have seen the loss of more than 90 teaching and pupil support assistant posts.

The joint administration has rejected more than half of those savings. According to papers, savings will be limited to the loss of vacant posts which have been difficult to fill.

Some support services will be integrated, being shared by a number of local schools. However, it has thrown out cuts to the school music service.

It will raise the school uniform grant by £15, which has been welcomed by Lib Dem councillor James Calder, the party’s education spokesman in Fife.

“This funding plays an important part of decreasing the cost of the school day for many families with lower incomes. This will be welcomed by many,” he said.

While it has also turned down proposals to cut funding for school breakfast and holiday clubs, the administration is looking to make savings in the way it delivers out of school care services.

The future funding of popular Quid a Kid and free summer swim schemes, along with support for looked after children and young carers, also looks to be safeguarded.

Proposals submitted by Fife Health and Social Care Partnership’s integrated joint board would have seen some of the charges – for the likes of meals on wheels, community alarms and day care – more than double. Instead the administration wants to limit a rise to 25p.

It has also turfed out plans to privatise council-run care homes or reinstate care charges axed five years ago.

James Calder said the move to increase the school uniform grant will help many families on lower incomes.