England Councils Distribute Up to £300 School Uniform Grants

Several councils across England are providing financial support to families struggling with the cost of school uniforms through government-backed grants and vouchers. The Household Support Fund (HSF), administered by the Department for Work and Pensions, offers grants up to £300 per family in some areas, with amounts and eligibility varying by council; for example, Tower Hamlets offers up to £150 per child in Year 7, while Medway Council provides £100 vouchers to eligible households. Barnsley Council has approved a £2.8 million scheme distributing non-means-tested vouchers of £50 for primary and £100 for secondary school children, benefiting around 34,000 children, with additional support including free study packs for Year 11 pupils. These initiatives aim to reduce financial pressures on families amid the ongoing cost of living challenges, with funding often extended through government settlements for 2025/26. Applicants typically need to demonstrate low income and provide proof such as recent payslips, and support is available regardless of whether children attend local schools, provided families pay local council tax. This targeted assistance complements wider efforts to help households manage essential expenses like energy, food, and water costs.