New payment to help support families

North Lanarkshire is introducing a new payment to support the families of 10,000 children across the local authority area, which will be issued this week.

Families whose children qualify for free school meals due to low income will receive £100 per child, paid directly into their bank account.

The initiative has been introduced by the council’s Tackling Poverty group and is being funded by the financial insecurity support money made available by the Scottish Government to help families during the coronavirus pandemic.

Group chair Councillor Frank Mcnally, the council’s education and families convener, said: “january is an especially difficult time of year, and the North Lanarkshire child payment, of £100 per child, aims to support families in the greatest need.

“The ongoing economic impact of the pandemic is having a devastating effect on so many people in our communities and we are determined to do everything we can to provide direct support.

“We recognise the unprecedented challenges people are facing, whether through debt, increased food or fuel costs or other factors, and hope this payment helps alleviate some of those pressures.”

He added: “we’re also supporting families at weekends and the holidays with our Club365 food voucher scheme, as well as providing vouchers to cover the cost of lunches during the current lockdown.”

Families do not need to apply for the payments, which will be made automatically.

Council officials add: “the North Lanarkshire child payment is only for families who qualify for free school meals through low incomes, and not for families whose children in P1-P3 [receive] free school meals through universal provision.

“However, if a payment has not been received by the start of February, email Nlchildpayment@northlan.gov.uk.

“If a family’s circumstances have changed recently and you would like to apply for your child to receive a free school meal please visit www. northlanarkshire.gov.uk/schools-andlearning/school-meals/free-schoolmeals-and-clothing-grants/ free-school-meals.”