A children’s poverty charity has called on Angus Council to reverse its decision to phase out school clothing grants.
The Child Poverty Action Group has described the cut as “absolutely extraordinary”.
Last year, the council decided to phase the grant out entirely by 2017 so that more funds could be allocated to maintaining critical services.
Up until 2013-14, it had offered a grant of £50 to low-income families, but this was cut to £35 last year and is now £20.
It has emerged that Angus is the only local authority which is planning to stop offering the grant completely.
John Dickie, director of charity Child Poverty Action Group, said the move was “very disappointing”.
He said: “It’s families with children which have been disproportionately affected by cuts to social security, family benefits and tax credits. Local authorities should look to protect these families as much as they can.
“School clothing grants are a direct way councils can offer additional support to low-income families.
“We know of families whose children have to share gym kits because families are struggling to buy school clothing.
“The amount Angus Council is offering is shockingly low. At £20 it is the lowest in Scotland.
“We hope the council will rethink the decision to end the grant and emulate the best practice which has the subsidy set at more than £100.”
Last year, 3,405 people in Angus received the grant, which cost the council £102,000.
In Dundee and Perth and Kinross the subsidy is £50 and in Fife it is £55.
A spokeswoman for Angus Council said that although the grant was being phased out, each school would be able to make “individual arrangements”.
“Unfortunately in these tough economic times we have to make some cuts to ensure we can afford to run critical frontline services,” she added.
“We believe our schools know our children and families best as local decision-making ensures support is targeted where it needs to be.
“We are committed to making school uniforms as affordable as we can.
“Three of our secondary schools use an eco-blazer which is made from 16 recycled plastic bottles.
“This new approach is not only environmentally friendly, it has reduced the costs of school blazers.”
Angus Council made the decision as part of a £19 million cost-cutting exercise.
Independent Arbroath councillor David Fairweather, who did not give his support to the budget last year, said: “I was not happy that the school clothing grant was going completely.
“However, the council has said that if there are individuals who need help, then that help will be provided.”