Ellie Kershaw, (Tackling Poverty Programme Delivery Officer) presented the report seeking approval of the continuation of the school uniform grant and authority to authorise the Corporate Director of Resources to approve future grants within budget. She provided an overview of the policy including the payment arrangements.

The Chair of the Grants Scrutiny Sub – Committee reported feedback on their consideration of the report. The Sub – Committee welcomed the proposals. The GSSC sought and received further information regarding, amongst other matters: the slight decrease in applications, the use of the small underspend and the approach to dealing with oversubscription. The GSSC  were satisfied with the answers and endorsed the report.

Councillor Ronald then invited GDSC Members to comment on the report. The GDSC also asked questions and received reassurances about the decrease in claims (as detailed in the report), due to changes in the number of pupils eligible for the support.

DECISION

1.         That the provision of school clothing grants in 2019/20 within the budget specified in this report be approved;

2.         That the Corporate Director for Resources be authorised to approve future grants, subject to budget restrictions

Ellie Kershaw, (Tackling Poverty Programme Delivery Officer) presented the report seeking approval of the continuation of the school uniform grant and authority to authorise the Corporate Director of Resources to approve future grants within budget. She provided an overview of the policy including the payment arrangements.

The Chair of the Grants Scrutiny Sub – Committee reported feedback on their consideration of the report. The Sub – Committee welcomed the proposals. The GSSC sought and received further information regarding, amongst other matters: the slight decrease in applications, the use of the small underspend and the approach to dealing with oversubscription. The GSSC  were satisfied with the answers and endorsed the report.

Councillor Ronald then invited GDSC Members to comment on the report. The GDSC also asked questions and received reassurances about the decrease in claims (as detailed in the report), due to changes in the number of pupils eligible for the support.

RESOLVED

1.         That the provision of school clothing grants in 2019/20 within the budget specified in this report be approved;

2.         That the Corporate Director for Resources be authorised to approve future grants, subject to budget restrictions