Islington's Lib Dem Council to offer school uniform grants

4.50.10pm GMT Wed 18th Feb 2009

Struggling families in Islington with pupils moving up from primary to secondary school this year will be the first to receive a £150 grant from Islington Council to pay for school uniforms, under a new scheme from the Liberal Democrats as part of our plan to help residents through the recession.

There are 600-700 families in Islington each year with children moving into secondary school who are eligible for free school meals. These families will automatically be eligible for the new grant.

Councillor Paula Belford, Islington's Liberal Democrat executive member for children, said:

"Like all parents, I know that having children moving into secondary school is a big financial hit. For families who are struggling financially, finding the money to pay for uniforms can be really difficult. And there are no national schemes that meet these costs for everyone that needs help.

"Because the Lib Dems have managed Islington's finances carefully, we can afford to give struggling families extra help when they need it most by giving grants for school uniforms."