As the countdown to the start of school gets underway, West Dunbartonshire Council has highlighted the support available to low incomes requiring a helping hand.

Among the support measures offered is a £100 clothing grant available to families receiving a range of benefits including Jobseekers Allowance or Income Support, as well as those receiving housing or council tax credits.

The reminder of support available follows last week’s Post feature on the ‘uniform bank’ service offered by West Dunbartonshire Community Foodshare, which has seen a spike in demand this year from under-pressure families struggling to pay the costs of going back to school.

The clothing grants will not be paid to young people of school leaving age - over the age of 16 between March 1 and September 30 - unless they return to school in the new session, but these children should still be included in the application.

Anyone who received the clothing grant and receives Housing Benefit or a council tax reduction will be automatically considered for the award, with any new applications for support to be made either via online or physical application form, or by calling 01389 737000.

More information on eligibility criteria and what is required to be sent as part of the application can be accessed at west-dunbarton.gov.uk/schools-and-learning/school-and-educational-grants/free-school-meals-and-clothing-grant/.