Renfrewshire parents and carers who have received a school clothing grant will get an additional £50 winter clothing payment for each eligible child.

The additional money is being provided by Renfrewshire Council and aims to help local families buy additional clothing for the winter months.

Parents and carers who have already applied for a school clothing grant this school year (August 2023 to June 2024) will receive the money in their bank account by Friday, November 3.

Anyone who hasn't yet applied for a school clothing grant and is entitled to receive one is encouraged to apply by Friday, October 20, so they can be included in the winter clothing payments.

More than 5,564 children across Renfrewshire have received a school clothing grant, with more than £740,000 paid out.

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There's also 4,473 who've applied for free school meals. Although all children in primary one to five get a free meal at school, parents and carers who meet the criteria are also encouraged to apply for free school meals, as if eligible they also receive money during the four main school holidays, with the next payment due before the October break.

Councillor Jacqueline Cameron, depute leader of Renfrewshire Council and chair of the Fairer Renfrewshire sub-committee, said: "Times continue to be tough during this cost-of-living crisis and it is important that everyone who is entitled to any grant or support gets it.

"The £50 winter clothing grant is essential to support parent and carers buy additional clothing for children and young people during the winter months.

"It's also important that everyone who is entitled to a school clothing grant and free school meals applies for them. They can support people to maximise their incomes and provide for their families.

"There are also advice services that can help anyone who is worried about their finances and making ends met. Advisers from Renfrewshire Citizens Advice Bureau and the council's Advice Works team can help people find solutions ahead of going into crisis."

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Parents and carers with a child in secondary school, Mary Russell or Riverbrae schools can make an appointment with the new Schools Support Service run by Renfrewshire Citizens Advice Bureau. 

Visit www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/school-support-service or call 0141 889 2121. QR codes are available on posters within secondary and ASN schools.

A new family support service for parents and carers with children in primary school or younger is due to launch shortly. 

In the meantime, those parents and carers are encouraged to get help and support from Renfrewshire Citizens Advice Bureau by visiting www.renfrewshirecab.org.uk and from the council’s Advice Works service by emailing adviceworks@renfrewshire.gov.uk or calling 0300 300 1238.

To apply for a school clothing grant, visit www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/school-clothing-grants.