According to Government data 8.5% of children live in poverty in South Lakeland.

This is likely to get worse. 2.8 million households across the UK will be worse off by an average of £137 under the new Universal Credit benefit due in October. This comes on the back of rising utility and food costs, squeezing household budgets.

One area of concern is the costs faced by parents in sending their children to school. Apart from school uniform and lunch money, there are costs for school trips, social activities, fundraising and so on, many of these activities are expensive, unexpected and carry social pressure to participate. It all adds up, placing a burden on stretched family budgets.

Your local Cumbria Rural Citizens Advice Bureau has contacted all the schools in South Lakeland to ask them to join in a national campaign called ‘Adding Up’. We want School Governors to adopt 10 principles to help control the costs of attending school and help parents budget for activities. You can help us. Tell us how much it costs your household to send children to school. You don’t need to tell us your name or which school, we just want facts and figures so that we can encourage schools to join the campaign. Complete our online survey at www.cumbriaruralcab.org.uk and help us try to stop more children falling into poverty.

  • Free, confidential advice and help is available from the Citizens Advice Bureau on any aspect of debt, benefits, housing, employment and any other problems. You can contact the Grange or Windermere office by phone or in person. Call 015395 33100 / 015394 46464. If you don't need us for advice, how about helping us by becoming a volunteer or making a donation? Not many people realise that we are a charity - see our website for details www.cumbriaruralcab.org.uk