| Figures released under Freedom of Information legislation show that while there are still seven months left in the current financial year, a total of £283,800 has already been spent on back-to-school grants.
A total of £303,375 was awarded to struggling families for the whole of 2008-2008, while £316,285 was awarded during the preceding financial year.
The figures are further proof of how the global economic recession is continuing to hurt many families.
“I would say it’s fairly obvious the present financial crisis means we have more and more families who are in need of and therefore applying for clothing grants and school meals,” said education convener Liz Fordyce.
“These grants exist to make sure the poorest and most vulnerable people are able to access what they need and are made to feel equal in society.”
She continued, “The fact that so much money has already been awarded demonstrates just how many people are hurting.
“Worryingly, there could be many more families who are entitled to grants but because they don’t know about them or because of self esteem issues they have not applied.
“If anybody is in any doubt about whether or not they can apply for a grant, they should get in touch with the welfare rights department to find out what they are entitled to.”
Typically, grants are made to low-income families who cannot otherwise afford to pay for their children’s school uniforms and equipment.
As of September this year, a total of 5901 individual grant applications had been approved, with the largest number (2982) of recipients entitled to claim through Income Support.
More than 2000 recipients also claimed Working Tax Credit, while 380 also claimed Child Tax Credit and 210 were on Job Seekers Allowance.
Last month, the Tele revealed more than half of Scottish parents on low incomes could not afford to pay for their children’s school uniforms and equipment.
The report revealed 24% of parents expected to go into debt to fund essential school items, while 42% admitted cutting back on paying bills or food to pay for school items.
Almost 60% said their children would have to miss out on certain items due to cost.
The report also revealed that 36% of parents were worried their children would get into trouble for not having all the necessary school items, while 38% were concerned their child would stand out from other pupils as they did not have everything other children have.
According to the Citizens Advice Bureau parents have admitted having to cut down on food and heating in cold weather to meet the costs. |
