A NEW approach to supporting families eligible for free school meals during the holidays is set to be introduced.

Councillors approved plans that will see the current voucher system replaced by cash payments to families instead.

In a report that went before North Ayrshire Council's cabinet yesterday (Tuesday, March 21), elected members learned that this would provide better value for money and would give people more flexibility to buy from the shop of their choice.

The council already processes cash payments for all other supports such as school clothing grants and child bridging payments - so changing the school holiday payment to cash rather than vouchers is expected to provide a consistent approach for parents and carers.

It is hoped the move will also provide a streamlined and efficient approach where none of the funding is used for administrative fees or postage.

Changing to cash payments ensures that all of the funding is available for distribution to eligible families, and families will be receiving exactly what they are entitled to rather than a rounded sum, the council said. The allocation is £2.05 per day.

The council has also provided holiday activities in recent years having re-introduced these following a break during Covid.

After assessing the uptake and partner resources available, officers have recommended that they focus their activity programme during the summer holidays.

The Scottish Government has confirmed funding of just over £700,000 for the 2023/24 holiday programme.

Councillor Tony Gurney, cabinet member for place, said: “The council’s holiday school meals programme has been a massive success story for a number of years.

"We are very proud that we have provided this support for a decade now.

“Like with many of our services, the pandemic has made us re-evaluate how we do things and how things can be improved within the parameters we are working under.

“We think this new approach offers families much more flexibility, saves in unnecessary admin and associated costs and allows us to provide the best possible support all year round.”