HAMPSHIRE County Council has pledged to lobby the government for greater support for families with school-age children in the face of the escalating cost of living crisis.
At the council’s recent annual general meeting, it was highlighted how the cost of living pressures are impacting families, particularly in relation to school meals and uniforms.
Council leader Cllr Rob Humby outlined the proposals in a letter to the minister of state for education, which includes reviewing the national eligibility criteria for free school meals to enable more youngsters to access them.
The council’s cabinet member for education, Cllr Steve Forster, said: “Supporting Hampshire families is our absolute priority, and alongside the excellent work that continues to be undertaken by our staff and directly by schools, we have also been advocating for additional funding for a range of supportive initiatives since living costs began to rise.
“We were delighted to have been awarded £14.2m from the government’s household support fund this year, which will help us deliver schemes aimed at supporting families struggling with food and fuel bills.
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“This includes funds for schools so they can offer grants at their own discretion to families most in need to help with the cost of necessities, such as school uniforms.”
The council will also continue to provide community grants for local projects, funding for community pantries and the Holiday Activities and Foof (HAF) programme.
The council agreed it would “actively remind” all local schools of statutory guidance in relation to keeping down school uniform costs, which includes minimising the need for branded items and ensuring clothing is available from suppliers which have evidenced value for money.
Residents concerned about their finances are encouraged to visit www.hants.gov.uk/costofliving