Menu
26/07/2017
Plans To Cut School Uniform Grant Reversed
A decision to cut the school uniform grant has been reversed, the Department of Education has confirmed.
Plans to cut the grant were announced earlier this month, however after concerns were raised the grant for the 2017/18 school year will remain the same as 2016.
A spokesperson for the Department of Education said: "This decision will allow the Education Authority to make payments to families at the existing rates. The Department continues to deal with major financial pressures and explore a range of measures which would allow it to live within the indicative 2017/18 budget. Following the Secretary of State's written statement last week on Northern Ireland departments' budget allocations, the Department has been able to finalise decisions on budget allocations across a range of programmes including deciding to maintain funding for the uniform allowance at current rates. The Department will be issuing allocation letters to relevant organisations in the coming days."
Sinn Féin MLA Karen Mullan welcomed the decision.
She said: "Sinn Féin opposed this cut since it was announced as it was an attack on children and families from low-income communities.
"We demanded that the Education Authority reverse this cut so I am delighted that it has now done so.
"Our party leader in the north Michelle O’Neill stressed the unjust nature of this cut to the Interim Head of the Civil Service and why in her view it should be reversed immediately in order to afford families this critical assistance.
"The school uniform grant is a vital resource for many families and makes a real impact on the lives of thousands of children.
"Sinn Féin Minister Caitriona Ruane introduced the primary school uniform grant and her successor John O'Dowd extended the criteria allowing thousands more pupils to benefit.
"This news will provide some reassurance to parents as the processing of applications normally takes place in August."
(CD)
Plans to cut the grant were announced earlier this month, however after concerns were raised the grant for the 2017/18 school year will remain the same as 2016.
A spokesperson for the Department of Education said: "This decision will allow the Education Authority to make payments to families at the existing rates. The Department continues to deal with major financial pressures and explore a range of measures which would allow it to live within the indicative 2017/18 budget. Following the Secretary of State's written statement last week on Northern Ireland departments' budget allocations, the Department has been able to finalise decisions on budget allocations across a range of programmes including deciding to maintain funding for the uniform allowance at current rates. The Department will be issuing allocation letters to relevant organisations in the coming days."
Sinn Féin MLA Karen Mullan welcomed the decision.
She said: "Sinn Féin opposed this cut since it was announced as it was an attack on children and families from low-income communities.
"We demanded that the Education Authority reverse this cut so I am delighted that it has now done so.
"Our party leader in the north Michelle O’Neill stressed the unjust nature of this cut to the Interim Head of the Civil Service and why in her view it should be reversed immediately in order to afford families this critical assistance.
"The school uniform grant is a vital resource for many families and makes a real impact on the lives of thousands of children.
"Sinn Féin Minister Caitriona Ruane introduced the primary school uniform grant and her successor John O'Dowd extended the criteria allowing thousands more pupils to benefit.
"This news will provide some reassurance to parents as the processing of applications normally takes place in August."
(CD)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
15 March 2024
Gresham Street Building Brought Back Into Use After 20 Years
A vacant property on Gresham Street in Belfast's Smithfield area has been brought back into use after 20 years as independent barbershop, High Society Cut Club opens for business.
Gresham Street Building Brought Back Into Use After 20 Years
A vacant property on Gresham Street in Belfast's Smithfield area has been brought back into use after 20 years as independent barbershop, High Society Cut Club opens for business.
06 December 2024
New Bill To Make School Uniforms More Affordable
Education Minister Paul Givan has welcomed the Executive's decision to allow the preparation of a new School Uniforms Bill. The proposed legislation aims to make school uniforms more affordable for parents by requiring schools to prioritise affordability in their uniform policies.
New Bill To Make School Uniforms More Affordable
Education Minister Paul Givan has welcomed the Executive's decision to allow the preparation of a new School Uniforms Bill. The proposed legislation aims to make school uniforms more affordable for parents by requiring schools to prioritise affordability in their uniform policies.
20 June 2022
School Uniform Grant Increased
Education Minister Michelle McIlveen has announced that the school uniform grant will be increased by 20% to help support low income families. The grant is designed to assist families in need with a contribution towards the cost of purchasing school uniforms. Announcing the additional £1.
School Uniform Grant Increased
Education Minister Michelle McIlveen has announced that the school uniform grant will be increased by 20% to help support low income families. The grant is designed to assist families in need with a contribution towards the cost of purchasing school uniforms. Announcing the additional £1.
31 July 2015
Parents Reminded Of School Uniform Grant
Parents of school age children have been reminded that a grant scheme is available to help pay for uniforms. Pupils in Primary, post-primary and special schools are covered by the Education Authority's Clothing Allowance Scheme. There are four different levels of assistance available, ranging from £22 to £56.
Parents Reminded Of School Uniform Grant
Parents of school age children have been reminded that a grant scheme is available to help pay for uniforms. Pupils in Primary, post-primary and special schools are covered by the Education Authority's Clothing Allowance Scheme. There are four different levels of assistance available, ranging from £22 to £56.
02 August 2013
Parents Encouraged To Use School Uniform Grants
Education Minister John O'Dowd has encouraged parents to take advantage of school uniform grants. The Clothing Allowance Scheme covers pupils in primary, post-primary and special schools and is similar to free school meals with regards to its eligibility criteria.
Parents Encouraged To Use School Uniform Grants
Education Minister John O'Dowd has encouraged parents to take advantage of school uniform grants. The Clothing Allowance Scheme covers pupils in primary, post-primary and special schools and is similar to free school meals with regards to its eligibility criteria.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Gale, coastal severe gale, northwest winds ease from late afternoon. Scattered showers will fall as snow over the hills at first, becoming isolated from mid-afternoon. Maximum temperature 7 °C.Tonight:Showers, scattered in the evening, will clear by midnight leaving the night dry with clear spells. Cloud will spread east towards morning. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
