All councils are meeting uniform pledge

Every council in Scotland is offering eligible families a grant of at least £100 to help with the cost of school uniforms, officials have confirmed.

Council umbrella body Cosla said all 32 local authorities have implemented an increase in school clothing grant payments to the new level while keeping the eligibility criteria already in place.

An estimated 120,000 families are eligible for the financial help, which was put in place before the start of the school term.

The level of the national minimum grant was agreed in May following discussions between the Scottish Government and Cosla.

Councillor Stephen Mccabe, Cosla’s spokesman on children and young people, said: “Local authorities are aware that many families face financial pressures in relation to their children’s education.

“It was for this reason that we reached agreement with the Scottish Government to provide a minimum clothing grant of at least £100 to assist with the cost of school uniforms.

“Local authorities are now delivering on this commitment which helps with some of the financial challenges families face.”

Education Secretary and Deputy First Minister John Swinney said: “This will help to relieve pressure for around 120,000 families, reduce costs of living and allow all children to attend school feeling comfortable, confident and ready to learn.”