BARNSLEY Council leader Sir Steve Houghton said that it’s not just families who are on benefits who need support in the town - and that’s why all parents will get a voucher to help cover their child’s school uniform.
Cabinet members met this week to discuss a £2.8m funding package to support the Great Childhoods Ambition strategy.
They approved the plans which will see a one-off non-means-tested reimbursement for families towards the cost of a school uniform.
Secondary school children will receive a £100 voucher and primary school kids will receive a £50 voucher.
Sir Steve said: “There is now a package in place that will help families right across Barnsley.
“We’ve got the free bus travel for under-18s starting on August 1, help with uniforms and GCSEs and wellbeing issues.
“There’s a huge investment into families right across Barnsley.
“Some people say ‘why don’t you do it for the lowest incomes and not others?’
“Let’s be honest: there are families that are not on benefits and are struggling - and they need help.Where do you draw the line? It’s better as a universal offer.”
