School uniform grants to increase substantially
Thousands of parents are in line for a school uniform cash windfall.
Council chiefs have agreed to more than double their grant payment to eligible South Ayrshire families.
More than 3000 children currently receive a footwear and clothing handout of £ 50 per year.
Officials had rubber stamped a rise to £ 75 in their March budget, but have now upped that sum to £ 125.
It follows a pledge by the Scottish Government to contribute towards the pot.
Announcing the change to councillors, depute Provost William Grant said: “This is excellent news and goes a long way to helping people.
“There should not be any stigma around these grants and everyone who is entitled must claim them.”
Labour councillor, Ian Cavana, said: “I think this is something that all 28 councillors can agree on.
“But the stigma of grants is a very real problem and I do wonder how many people don’t use them for that reason.
“How are we going to promote this and get the message out there effectively?”
Council director, Douglas Hutchison, replied: “I think this new sum raises the bar in terms of incentive.
“In the past, some people may have taken the view that £ 50 was not worth the hassle of filling in forms.
“But £ 125 is a far more attractive sum of money.”
The grants are offered to those children whose parents are in receipt of the qualifying benefits.
Application forms are issued in June, with the first payment of the grants made from early July.