Tag: Children and Families

Please, sir: we want some more – healthier school food guidance not enough, say Greens

Expert recommendations to make school food and drink even healthier are being consulted on by the Scottish Government. John Swinney says standards are already high but the Scottish Greens say more is needed to encourage healthy eating. Continue reading Please, sir: we want some more – healthier school food guidance not enough, say Greens

Action needed to reverse the decline in Scottish pupils walking to school

Latest statistics show that the number of children walking to school in Scotland continues to decline. 42 per cent of children usually walk to school now, compared to 48 per cent just ten years ago.  Continue reading Action needed to reverse the decline in Scottish pupils walking to school

Child burial and cremation fees to end

Scottish Government and COSLA have agreed to work together to remove all local authority charges for child burials and cremations.

While most local authorities have already removed their fees, this new commitment – which is supported by Scottish Government funding – will see the removal of their fees consistently and completely across all areas.

Confirming the agreement, Cabinet Secretary for Communities, Social Security and Equalities Angela Constance said: “The death of a child is one of the most tragic experiences that anyone can go through. 

“At such difficult times, it is important that we look to support parents and families.  We have been actively looking for some time at ways in which we can further support bereaved parents in Scotland with funeral costs.

“Most local authorities do not charge child burial and cremation fees but the picture across Scotland is a mixed one, as local authorities introduce adult burial and cremation charges at different ages across the country.

“We agree with COSLA that no family should have to pay to bury or cremate their child.  I am therefore delighted to confirm this agreement between the Scottish Government and COSLA.”

Cllr Elena Whitham, COSLA spokesperson for Community Wellbeing, said: “Scottish local authorities have had a long-standing commitment to waiving or discounting their charges for children’s funerals and cremations.

“It is truly awful to have to manage the burden of a funeral or cremation for a child. We are acutely aware that none of us plan for the financial costs because we don’t expect it to happen to our families. For some, any charges can lead to high cost borrowing and financial crisis.

“We are pleased to work together with the Scottish Government to ensure that all local authorities can fully commit to removing their charges for the burial or cremation of those aged under 18.”

 

New national school clothing grant

An estimated 120,000 families will benefit from a new £100 national minimum school clothing grant in Scotland as a result of partnership working between Scotland’s Local Authorities and the Scottish Government. It means for the first time all eligible families, regardless of their local authority area, will have access to the same minimum level of financial support for school clothing. Continue reading New national school clothing grant

Innovation Fund to tackle child poverty

Multi-million pound fund is open for applications.

Communities and charities with new ideas to tackle child poverty will be given the opportunity to bid for part of a new £7.5 million Innovation Fund. Announced as part of the Tackling Child Poverty Delivery Plan, the fund, financed by the Scottish Government and the Hunter Foundation, is now open for applications from communities, local charities, health boards and councils.

A panel with membership from across the sector will judge the applications, which will support new or existing projects that will have an impact on reducing child poverty by 2030.

Communities Secretary Angela Constance said: “We want to tackle child poverty and ensure the very best outcomes for children today, and generations to come.  As a government, we are taking bold action through our Tackling Child Poverty Delivery Plan, but we need to work together to make a difference.  

“We want to ensure that if actions to tackle poverty are working well in some communities, they can be shared elsewhere so more children and families can benefit.  Government can’t end child poverty on our own – so partnerships are vital to make change happen.”

Sir Tom Hunter, chairman of the Hunter Foundation added: “This is about engaging with local communities and people who can make a real difference. The fund’s priority is to meet the needs of families and carers and up to £100,000 per organisation can make a real difference. It is time Scotland changed the dynamic on poverty and set about leading the world in its eradication.”

 

Applications can be made online.

The Innovation Fund will support both new and the expansion of existing approaches that will have an impact on reducing child poverty by 2030 in a way that helps families to remain out of poverty for a minimum three year period and are viable and sustainable practices for public sector/third sector.

A scrutiny panel from across the public, private and third sector will provide advice on applications, members of the panel will include:

  • Jim McCormick (JRF)
  • Anna Fowlie (SCVO)
  • Sarah Gadsden (Improvement Service)
  • Gerry McLaughlin (NHS Health Scotland)
  • Fraser McKinlay (Audit Scotland)

Applications are now open and will close at midnight on 29 June 2018 with awards being made, subject to final diligence and shortlisted interviews/project visits, no later than 17 August 2018.

Applications can be made online.