THE WEE COUNTY is set to up their level of school clothing grants, putting them among the highest in Scotland.

The council agreed on the increase during the latest meeting, which will see payments for primary school children change from £120 to £140.

The payment for secondary school children will be upped from £150 to £175.

Coming into effect straight away, parents who have already received their clothing grant would be paid the additional £20/£25 by the week ending October 9.

The new increase in payments will bring the school clothing grants in line with the national rise in inflation.

This is the first increase to the school clothing grant in Clackmannanshire since 2021, after the council agreed to align the criteria with the free school meals criteria, which is set out by the UK Government.

Councillor Graham Lindsay, education spokesperson, said: “The significant rise in inflation since 2021 continues to have an impact on many families in Clackmannanshire.

“Kitting out children for school is becoming more and more expensive with each passing year and these grant increases will offer extra support to families in need.

“Our focus is on helping as many children and families as we can and I am so proud that the increase in the grants will see our payments become among the best in the country.”

These increases are expected to cost the council £41,140 which will be funded from the balance of the council’s Covid recovery fund.

This move will complement support already available to families across Clacks who are struggling.

Support already readily available include pre-loved shops which see good-quality pre-worn items like clothing and other essentials being issued to any pupils who needs them.

These are available from many schools in the Wee County, including the three academies - Alloa, Alva and Lornshill.

Alloa Academy recently reported success from their pre-loved shop, with more than 500 items of clothing issued to families and young people free of charge.

The pre-loved shop is open to and pupils during every school day, including evening events such as school shows and parents evenings.