FAMILIES will receive finance in the the form of increase grants for footwear and clothing.

At the recent full South Ayrshire Council meeting, councillors agreed to boost the current financial figure of £50 per child, to £125 for 2018/19 when confirmation of additional funding from the Scottish Government had been received.

These grants are available to parents to help them purchase footwear and clothing items for their child to attend school and it is understood that around 3070 children currently receive a grant each year.

Cllr William Grant said: “This was discussed at the budget meeting – this is an excellent piece of news. At present it is £50 for footwear and clothing [grants] and we heard at the budget it would increase to £75 and with this piece of legalisation coming in it will be now £125.

“I think what is important is to make sure everybody in South Ayrshire who is entitled to these grants are claiming for them – there shouldn’t be a stigma to these grants. £125 goes a long way to helping people so I totally support this.”

Cllr Peter Convery added: “I welcome this very sincerely. I live cheek and jowl with an area of multiple deprivation in Troon. Some people think they are all millionaires but they’re not. 

“£125 sounds a lot of money but when you think about what weather we have gone through – what is extremely challenging for both children and adults – a lot of children are vulnerable and really need good clothes that come at a big price.”

Cllr Brian McGinley concluded: “I too very much welcome the significant increase in the clothing grant, however, I have to say it doesn’t in any way go to the cost of a child’s uniform or clothing that is required. I think we can do what we can do. 

“Over the year’s child poverty has increased significantly – I would urge others to ensure that people in need get responsible welfare payment to live the quality of life – that’s the real answer that lies in this.”