Angus parents are to have school meals money paid directly into their bank account.
In a move aimed at helping families whose children are entitled to free school meals, the authority has put in place pandemic arrangements which will cost almost £25,000 per week.
More than 2,000 payments will be made, starting on Friday.
A council spokesperson said: “Our staff have been working closely and at pace across various services to come up with a solution that will see ‘free school meal’ payments made to 1,895 parents or guardians of 2,238 school children.
“Families who have been in receipt of School Clothing Grant will receive the first payment into bank accounts tomorrow.
“This initial payment will cover a four-week period, backdated to March 23. Payments will continue on a fortnightly basis, with the next payment reaching bank accounts by Friday April 17.
“We will be contacting parents/carers of other children eligible for free school meals so that we can gather further information to enable payments to be made.
“The payment will be credited to individual’s bank accounts tomorrow (Friday) and will be £44 per child.
“This is two weeks’ payment in arrears and two weeks’ advance payment (at the rate of £11 per week per child).
“Regular fortnightly advance payments of £22 per child will be then be made,” the spokesperson added.
For any queries or further information, please contact revenquiry@angus.gov.uk
“If you are in urgent need of any additional support please fill in an online Crisis Grant application. If eligible, these grants should be in bank accounts within 24-48 hours,” the spokesperson added.
The authority has also reminded Angus residents of its online benefits calculator and a range of welfare rights support it offers for those who may be struggling financially.
