Decision

The Cabinet has decided to approve the continuation of a redesigned school uniform support scheme and cease investments in certain support schemes for 2026/27.

Analysis

outcome: The Cabinet approved the continuation of a redesigned school uniform support scheme for transition years, investment of up to £430,000 for the scheme, discontinuation of Year 11 support packs in 2026/27, and ceasing of the Council's investment in certain schemes to be replaced by alternative schemes funded through the Crisis and Resilience Fund.

summary: The decision at stake is whether and how to continue support through Cost of Living and Great Childhood Ambition into 2026/27.

topline: The Cabinet has decided to approve the continuation of a redesigned school uniform support scheme and cease investments in certain support schemes for 2026/27.

reason_contentious: This issue may be contentious as it involves changes to support schemes that may impact various stakeholders, such as pensioners, working age individuals, and low-income households.

affected_stakeholders: ["Schools", "Transition year students", "Pensioners", "Working age individuals", "Low-income households"]

contentiousness_score: 7

political_party_relevance: There are no mentions or implications of political parties or political influence on the decision.

URL: https://barnsleymbc.moderngov.co.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=3133

Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose: Approve proposal on whether and how the support through Cost of Living and Great Childhood Ambition should continue into 2026/27.   Notice under Regulation 10: Key Decision where less than 28 days’ public notice has been given.

Content: Approve proposal on whether and how the support through Cost of Living and Great Childhood Ambition should continue into 2026/27.   Notice under Regulation 10: Key Decision where less than 28 days’ public notice has been given. RESOLVED that Cabinet:-   1.     Note the update on the 2025/26 investments. 2.     Approve the continuation of a redesigned school uniform support scheme, targeted at transition years (Reception and Year 7). 3.     Approve the investment of up to £430,000 for this scheme set out in this report. 4.     Approve the method of implementation for Recommendation 2 and the associated implications. 5.     Agree to discontinue the Year 11 support packs in 2026/27. 6.     Approve the proposal to cease the Council’s investment in the following schemes on the basis that alternative schemes, funded through the Crisis and Resilience Fund will replace them: A. Pensioner cost of living payments B. Working age cost of living payments C. Support with travel costs for low-income households. 7.     Delegates authority to the Director of Finance to implement the new arrangements in line with the Council’s governance processes.

Date of Decision: July 15, 2026